THE ATENEO Blue Eagles ended the V-League Collegiate Challenge elimination stage on a high note after a commanding three-set triumph against the De La Salle University Green Spikers (DLSU), 25-17, 26-24, 25-15. The school rivalry game was held earlier this afternoon at the Paco Arena in Manila City.
The victory over the Green Spikers gives the Blue and White a 6-1 win-loss record in the tournament after the elimination round.
Player of the Game Jian Matthew Salarzon chipped in 11 points, three blocks, and three excellent receptions in the win. Amplifying the team’s attacks, starting setter James Licauco recorded 13 excellent sets, while veteran Kennedy Batas led the scoring with 15 markers on 14 attacks and one service ace.
Meanwhile, DLSU’s lone double-digit scorer John Mark Ronquillo carried the load of the Taft-based squad with 14 points from attacks.
The Blue Eagles showcased great strides on both ends of the floor to begin the contest, opening up a 10-4 lead early on. Despite the Archers’ three consecutive rallies in the set’s midpoint, the Blue and White remained resilient until the end as Batas closed the first set with a powerful hit to break DLSU’s two-man block, 25-17.
Opening the second canto, the AMVT asserted their offensive dominance, with Salarzon delivering two blocks and a kill for a 5-2 lead. The Green Archers then orchestrated a six-point rally to edge ahead, 9-10. However, Salarzon stepped up, leveling the score at 10 apiece. In the subsequent plays of the second set, both teams fiercely competed back and forth. Capitalizing on DLSU’s two errors, Ateneo secured the set with a triumphant 26-24 finish.
Despite the early lead by DLSU in the third set, the Katipunan-based squad continued their fighting spirit, as Jettlee Gopio utilized his quick arsenal to give Ateneo the lead, 7-6. Newly checked-in libero Leinuel Crisostomo then unleashed his spectacular floor defense to aid Ateneo’s defense late in the third frame.
The Blue Eagles maintained a low error count throughout the set. As the one-hour and 20-minute action approached its end, DLSU’s mistakes piled up, culminating in a crucial stepping violation by Noel Kampton that sealed the game, 25-15.
With their concluded face-off against DLSU, the Blue Eagles are set to strategize for their next showdown against the same team in the semifinals. The decisive rematch will take place on September 20, at 2 PM in the same venue.
Set Scores:
Ateneo-DLSU: 25-17, 26-24, 25-15
Box Scores:
Ateneo: Batas – 15, Pacinio – 13, Salarzon – 11, Gopio – 6, Sendon – 5
DLSU: Ronquillo – 14, Maglinao – 9, Rodriguez – 6, Del Pilar – 5, Mendoza – 4, Poquita – 3, Kampton – 2
