UNABLE TO capture their first win in the 2025 National Developmental Sports League (NDSL), the Ateneo Blue Eagles bowed to the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Spikers in three sets, 16-25, 15-25, 21-25. The matchup between fellow mother league powerhouses took place earlier today, August 11, at the Met Park Sports Center, Pasay City. 

Size advantage proved to be a key weapon for the Blue Eagles from the start, as Jeric Sendon dominated early at the net to give Ateneo their first point of the match, 1-0. In a showcase of his blocking prowess once again, Sendon turned away another Golden Spiker attack, giving the Blue Eagles a quick 3-1 advantage. To answer back, UST star Gboy De Vega attacked the Blue Eagle floor defense, taking the lead, 6-5. With the set still within reach, Ateneo opposite Karl Reyes skied to score a down-the-line attack, pulling the Blue Eagles to within two, 9-11. 

Looking to lead the comeback, Sendon continued his excellent offensive run, drilling a service ace to level the match, 12-all. However, despite their furious comeback, multiple attack errors left the Blue Eagles trailing toward the tail-end of the set, 14-17.

A slew of missed hits further dampened the Blue Eagles’ chances of capturing the first set, as the Katipunan-based squad fell behind, 16-22. Sealing off the net, Golden Spiker stalwart Joncriz Ayco delivered the final block of the first set, denying Preece Atendido’s attack, 16-25.

Ateneo fortified their net defense, opening the second canto with a three-man wall against Ayco, 1-0. Seeing the stronger and quicker defenders of the Katipunan-based squad, the Golden Spikers closed rallies early with two consecutive regalos, anchoring on the Blue Eagles’ faulty passing, 3-4.

Following a trade of service errors, the Blue Eagles attempted to put an end to UST’s run as the Gold and Black found their rhythm with the offensive authority of JJ Macam. The outside hitter elevated to break down the blue blockade, laced with a cross-court attack, 5-6.

Atenean outside hitter Paolo Medino stepped up to cut the six-point deficit, charging with an emphatic down-the-line kill, 10-15. As the second stringers of the España-based squad entered the court, Ateneo failed to contain the line-clipping kills of Karbe Malabunga, thus concluding the second set at 15-25.

The struggles continued for the Blue Eagles at the onset of the third set, with a service error from Atendido, which put Ateneo in an early deficit, 1-3. Continuing to attack through their middle, the Golden Spikers’ up-tempo offense found the gaps in the Blue Eagle floor, 8-5. However, the Blue Eagles remained unfazed, going on a 3-o run anchored on their strong service to tie the game, 8-8.

Steadying the ship of their net defense, the Golden Spikers reestablished their dominance above the tape as the Blue and White fell behind, 13-10. Still ever-resilient, the Blue Eagles battled back as Rodge Alejos hammered a spike into the court to keep Ateneo within reach, 16-17. 

Eager to close out the match in three sets, however, the well-run unit from España stamped their class, as Sherwin Umandal’s cross-court attack capped off a 6-1 run and effectively placed the Golden Spikers ahead, 23-17. Consecutive attacks from Atendido looked to spark a miraculous comeback, but a final service error from Atendido himself ended the match, 21-25. 

The Blue Eagles continue the search for their first win in the NDSL as they face the SE-University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD) Kinto Tyres on Friday, August 15, at 3:00 PM in the same venue.

Set scores: 

Ateneo-UST: 16-25, 15-25, 21-25