THE ATENEO Men’s Volleyball Team began their University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 campaign with a loss to the National University (NU) Bulldogs in straight sets, 23-23, 11-25, 20-25. The match was held earlier today at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

Rookie Jian Salarzon led the Blue and White with 12 points, two of which were from blocks. Ateneo’s defense, meanwhile, was spearheaded by Team Captain Lance de Castro who finished with nine excellent digs. 

The Bulldogs opened the game with a show of force from the offensive line as Angelo Almendras pounded on the Ateneo floor, scoring off three kills to build a two-point cushion, 6-8. Despite close attempts to return the attacks of their opponents, the Blue Eagles struggled from the offensive end which allowed NU to advance further and execute a 5-0 run in the middle of the first set. 

The combined efforts of Jian Salarzon and Amil Pacinio allowed Ateneo to maintain the chance of stealing the victory from the Bulldogs, taking advantage of the Bulldogs’ seven service errors. Holding onto Set 1, Pacinio began a 4-0 run with two consecutive attacks, followed by NU’s straight errors to bring the game to 20-23. NU’s Michaelo Buddin then sealed his team’s set win with two straight points that brushed off Pacino and Salarzon’s efforts to delay their victory, 23-25.

[Set 1]

Pacinio with a sharp down the line hit!

Ateneo 19 NU 23#UAAPVolleyball pic.twitter.com/VK0qPVeUHV

— Caitlin Bernal (@Ayin_TheGUIDON) February 25, 2023

Although the momentum of the second set began with NU’s hefty block against Pacinio, the Bulldog blockade was busted through by Salarzon’s sharp kill to even out the score 2-2.

[Set 2]

NU starts the set with a block against Pacinio.

Ateneo 0 NU 1@TheGUIDONSports #UAAPVolleyball pic.twitter.com/JI6qepRiGr

— Caitlin Bernal (@Ayin_TheGUIDON) February 25, 2023

Following several intense rallies early in the second set, the Blue Eagles faltered to NU’s quick slam at the net, trailing behind 2-5 in favor of the Bulldogs. The succeeding two points were lost by Ateneo, falling 2-7 after a rejected slam and their failure to receive a running attack. Two of Salarzon’s cold-blooded kills sent the ball back to Ateneo’s board, raising the score to 4-8 in the next two plays.

[Set 2]

Salarzon goes through the block for a successful tip.

Ateneo 4 NU 8#UAAPVolleyball pic.twitter.com/XPvEm4UZKO

— Caitlin Bernal (@Ayin_TheGUIDON) February 25, 2023

After a relentless scoring run by the Bulldogs, the Blue Eagles gained a point following NU’s attack error. Although Charles Absin’s swift shots past NU’s defense brought the score up to 8-14 in favor of NU, a check ball was called on Ateneo which handed another point to NU. While the Blue and White finally reached a double-digit score courtesy of Jettlee Gopio’s successful block, Salarzon’s service error ended Ateneo’s short rally. NU then continued to dominate the second set, 11-25.

Building on their momentum from the first two sets, NU started the third canto with more power to gain the early 5-9 lead. The Blue Eagles managed to inch closer with quick kills coming from Salarzon and Pacinio. While both teams continued to exchange attack and service errors, the Bulldogs maintained their position on top to secure a seven-point advantage, 10-17. Salarzon carried out a consistent offense for the Blue Eagles but still fell short as NU finally claimed the match win with back-to-back blocks, 20-25.

[Set 3]

Salarzon with a killer backrow attack!

Ateneo 17 NU 22#UAAPVolleyball pic.twitter.com/p2QrKaaiql

— Caitlin Bernal (@Ayin_TheGUIDON) February 25, 2023

Despite the loss, Head Coach Timmy Sto. Tomas acknowledged the efforts of the Blue Eagles who fought hard to win their first UAAP match in three years. “We really tried to keep our pace with them pero ‘yun lang. Unluckily, we fell short. Overall, it was a good start. We were able to get a feel of what is in store for us [this season].”

The Blue Eagles are set to face the University of the East (UE) Warriors on Wednesday, March 1, 10:00 AM at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Set Scores: 

23-23, 11-25, 20-25

Box Scores:

Ateneo: Salarzon – 12, Pacinio – 9, Batas – 5, Gopio – 2, Absin – 2, Magadia – 1

NU: Budin – 13, Almendras – 12, Malinis – 11, Mukaba – 9, Diao – 6, Retamar -1