THE ATENEO Blue Eagles failed to secure a podium finish in the 2023 V-League Collegiate Challenge after a four-set defeat at the hands of the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Spikers, 23-25, 25-21, 26-28, 21-25. The match was held yesterday at Paco Arena in the City of Manila.

Commanding court energy from the onset, FEU maintained a comfortable lead early on with Dryx Saavedra challenging the Ateneo defense with relentless kills. Despite setter James Licauco’s efforts to maximize Blue Eagle attackers, FEU quickly adjusted to his tactics to keep the upper hand till the end of the set, 23-25.

The following canto saw similar movements from the Tamaraws, until a block from Amil Pacinio and an ace by rookie setter Enzo Guttierez gave Ateneo a three-point lead, 20-17. Pacinio and Jian Salarzon then took advantage of FEU’s weak net defense and attack errors to claim the second set for Ateneo, 25-21.

Continuing their good form, the Blue Eagles opened the third frame with a four-point lead, 5-1, courtesy of better floor defense led by libero Lein Crisostomo. However, attack errors proved costly for Ateneo while FEU setter Ariel Cacao simultaneously activated his middle hitters to destabilize the Katipunan defense, 21-23. The extended set saw an exchange of attacks from both squads until Andrei Delicana used the blue blockade for an off-the-block hit, 26-28.

In the final set, the Tamaraw Spikers brought out their lethal combination plays to rattle Ateneo defenders, limiting the Blue Eagles from locking in kills, 16-18. With victory in sight, FEU displayed impressive offensive tactics, ultimately securing the bronze for Morayta at 21-25.

The Blue Eagles will look to bounce back as they continue their preseason campaign in the upcoming Spiker’s Turf Tournament happening in October this year. 

Set Scores:  

Ateneo-FEU: 23-25, 25-21, 26-28, 21-25