THE ATENEO Blue Eagles defeated the National University (NU) Bulldogs in four sets, 27-25, 25-23, 23-25, 25-16, on Wednesday, February 8 at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan City.
The win puts the Blue Eagles at 2-0 in the elimination round of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Men’s Volleyball tournament.
The first set kicked off with a close battle between the Blue Eagles and the Bulldogs early in the set. However, as Ateneo was inching past the stalemate, Team Captain Karl Baysa was subbed out due to a wrist injury. Errors from the Blue Eagles’ side allowed NU to reach the set point, but a crucial service error tied the game at 24-all. NU would get a point back but Baysa’s substitute, Ron Medalla, scored a straight to tie the game at 25-all. To close the set, Marck Espejo then scored two consecutive points and ended it at 27-25.
Koyfman drew first blood in the second set, but errors from the Blue Eagle rotation allowed the Bulldogs to break the tie and gain the advantage. The Blue Eagles, however, were able to bounce back, highlighted by Koyfman’s offense and defense. Before the second technical time-out, Koyfman blocked and then proceeded to score with a straight to give Ateneo the lead, and consequently ended the set in favor of the Blue and White (25-23).
The third set spelled a different story as the Bulldogs dominated the set over the Blue Eagles. Team Captain Baysa would come back to rally his team to a late comeback, but the Bulldogs maintained their momentum to garner their first set (23-25).
The fourth set saw the Blue Eagles gaining control through improved attacks. The Bulldogs were unable to break the Blue Eagles’ lead due the numerous errors incurred, which surrendered the match to the Blue Eagles (25-16).
Reigning Most Valuable Player of the league Epsejo led the team with 18 points, followed by Koyfman with 15 points. Rex Intal contributed 8 points in offense and 4 excellent blocks.
Team Captain Karl Baysa commends NU proves to be a more tough and challenging team this season. With a deep bench, the Bulldogs can convert into a powerful offense, as seen in the third set of the game. However, the Blue Eagles increased their level of play in the last set by raising each other’s morale.
“No matter how difficult it was or the errors we committed, we relied on each other and found strength in one another to uplift ourselves to finish the match,” says Baysa.
The next game for the Blue Eagles will be against the Adamson University Falcons on Sunday, February 12 at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan City.
Box Scores:
Ateneo: Espejo- 18, Koyfman- 15, Intal- 8, Villanueva- 6, Baysa- 5, Polvorosa- 4, Medalla- 3
NU: Bagunas- 23, Natividad- 8, Ismail- 8, Saura- 3, Dayandante- 2, Baysac- 2, Malabunga- 2, Gampong- 2, Ponti- 1
The Ateneo Blue Eagles defeat archrivals NU Bulldogs in 4 sets, 27-25, 25-23, 23-25, 25-16.
https://storify.com/TheGUIDONSports/uaap-season-79-men-s-volleyball-ateneo-vs-nu-round
