Sports

Ateneo outlasts DLSU anew, draws first blood in V-League best-of-three semis

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Published September 20, 2023 at 6:25 pm
Photo courtesy of V-League Media Team

THE ATENEO Blue Eagles powered past the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Spikers in a thrilling five-set affair, 25-23, 21-25, 25-22, 14-25, 15-11, earlier today at the Paco Arena in the City of Manila. 

This victory puts the team one game away from securing their V-League Collegiate Challenge Finals berth.

Jian Salarzon paced the Katipunan-based squad with 24 points on 20 attacks and four blocks to put Ateneo one game ahead in the best-of-three semifinal series. The sophomore standout was followed closely by Amil Pacinio, who chalked up 20 markers, three of which came from blocks.

On the other hand, Team Captain JM Ronquillo led the Green Spikers with a game-high 26 points and eight excellent digs, albeit in a losing effort.

The Blue and White controlled the pace early on in the opening set with their all-around aggression on the offensive end. However, despite an early run courtesy of Amil Pacinio’s powerful attacks, the Green Spikers countered with four straight markers of their own to take the advantage, 10-8. Undeterred by the sudden DLSU surge, Blue Eagle duo Jett Gopio and Salarzon traded quick attacks to regain the lead, 16-15. 

As the Green Spikers kept the set tight with the stellar pair of Ronquillo and Vince Maglinao, Ateneo leaned on the capable hands of Salarzon to seal the set. Back-to-back points by the outside hitter, highlighted by a clean hit, clinched the opening canto for the Blue Eagles, 25-23.

Despite getting off to a quick start in the second frame, the Blue Eagles were unable to secure a significant cushion with four costly errors, allowing DLSU to take a three-point lead, 12-9. The Green Spikers’ run continued with Noel Kampton serving as the catalyst in DLSU’s attacks and solid net defense. Ateneo’s hopes for another sweep were shut down as their comeback attempts proved to be unsuccessful in stopping La Salle’s momentum, as Ronquillo closed out the set with a quick attack, 25-21.

Riding on their newfound momentum, the Taft-based squad got off to a flawless start in the third frame: committing zero errors to the Blue Eagles’ five and notching a two-point lead, 14-12. After suing for time, the Blue and White swiftly replied with a 4-1 run to retake the advantage, 16-15. Ateneo maintained their poise for the rest of the canto, outlasting DLSU to take the set, 25-22.

Setting the tone to enter the fourth set with a 4-1 start, the Green Spikers easily regained the momentum with excellent attacks and well-timed blocks. The Taft-based squad outplayed the Blue Eagles on the defensive end with a total of seven blocks to Ateneo’s one. With Ronquillo leading the way, the Green Spikers put on a masterclass with a fiery 11-0 run to take a 15-4 cushion. La Salle’s incredible performance was topped off with a quick attack by Kampton to secure the frame, 25-14.

In a spirited effort, the Blue Eagles managed to shift gears and control the entirety of the fifth set. An early 8-5 lead by Ateneo left DLSU searching for answers, as Gopio and Pacinio led the way for the Blue and White. Attack errors by the Green Spikers hampered their attempts to snatch the set from the Blue Eagles. With the game’s result still hanging in the balance, a drop ball by Salarzon and a block point from Gopio put DLSU away and sealed the victory for Ateneo, 15-11.

Outside Hitter Pacinio noted Head Coach Timmy Sto. Tomas’ emphasis on the importance of today’s game and the team’s key to taking game one. 

Yung ginawa namin, tiwala sa sarili, tiwala sa team. ‘Yung exposure and intensity sa team, ginawa rin namin para makuha ang panalo,” Pacinio shared.

(We put our trust in ourselves and in our team. We also focused on our exposure and intensity to get the win.)

The Blue Eagles look to book their Finals ticket as they face the Green Spikers anew on Friday, September 22, at 4:00 PM in the same venue.

Box Scores:

Ateneo (3): Salarzon – 24, Pacinio – 20, Gopio – 9, Sendon – 9, Batas – 5, Taneo – 1

DLSU (2): Ronquillo – 26, Kampton – 17,  Mendoza – 11, Maglinao – 10, Del Pilar – 6, Layug – 2, Marata – 1

Set Scores:  
Ateneo-DLSU: 25-23, 21-25, 25-22, 14-25, 15-11


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