COMING OFF a disappointing loss against the University of the Philippines, the Ateneo Men’s Volleyball Team swept the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Spikers, 25-20, 25-19, 27-25 on Saturday, March 7, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
This victory balances the Blue Eagles’ win-loss record at 1-1 in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 82 Men’s Volleyball Tournament.
Leading the squad with 20 huge points was middle attacker Chumason Njigha, flanked by Egie Magadia’s 20 excellent sets. Sophomore Kurt Aguilar piled on the onslaught with 18 markers on attacks.
Ateneo Head Coach Timothy Sto. Tomas started Magadia, Njigha, Aguilar, Gian Glorioso, Basti Cuerva, and Ron Medalla. Covering the floor was returning veteran Manuel Sumanguid.
The Blue Eagles began the first set with intensity and control as they scored three quick points with attacks from all sides. Njigha’s ferocity in the middle proved to be too much for the Taft squad and forced them to call an early timeout, 12-8. At the service line, Aguilar’s masterful jump serve tore DLSU’s defense apart and began a run of five consecutive points for the Blue and White, 20-11. Errors began to haunt Ateneo’s defense once again, allowing La Salle to rack up a series of points. Miscommunication between Sumanguid and Cuerva forced the Blue Eagles to call for time, 24-20. Njigha closed the set by tipping the ball out of DLSU’s reach, 25-20.
With momentum on their side, Ateneo controlled the second set early, 6-4. Frustrated after getting roofed at the net, Aguilar sent both La Salle blockers and the ball to the floor, 14-10. A lucky service ace from Co-Captain Cuerva carved a crucial seven-point lead late in the second set 22-15 before Glorioso sealed it with a kill, 25-19.
La Salle showed signs of life in the third frame. Aguilar steered Ateneo into the first technical timeout with a down the line kill, 8-6, after an early exchange of points. The Blue Eagles were not able to shake DLSU but had an answer to every challenge. Smart defensive play from Sumanguid set up Njigha to slam down the middle, 19-18. MOA arena stood still in silence at 20-all until Glorioso’s running spike sparked cheers from the Ateneo community, 21-20. Magadia’s service error sent the game into deuce at 24-all, but Medalla’s perfectly-timed block put the contest beyond doubt, 27-25.
Ateneo will face the University of the East Red Warriors at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, March 11, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
