THE ATENEO Beach Volleyball Teams tallied two victories and one loss as they continued their University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 campaign. All three games were held earlier today, November 22, at the Sands at SM by the Bay in the City of Pasay. 

The Ateneo Men’s Beach Volleyball Team (AMBVT) absorbed a 1-2 loss against the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, but later redeemed themselves in a rivalry match against the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Spikers, 2-0. On the flipside, the Ateneo Women’s Beach Volleyball Team (AWBVT) won their only game in fashion after outlasting the DLSU Lady Spikers in the final set, 2-1.

Men’s match vs FEU

To begin the match day, veterans Amil Pacinio and Jian Salarzon attempted to control the sands against the Tamaraws. The opening frame went according to plan as the Blue and White claimed the first set, 21-17, after masterfully executing their game plans, leading to a 1-0 advantage.

Following Ateneo’s commanding first set victory, the Katipunan-based duo lost their rhythm in the second frame after failing to contain FEU’s firepower, 16-21.

The deciding set saw a back-and-forth affair as both squads fought tooth and nail for every point. Despite the bumper-to-bumper final set, the Blue Eagles were forced to take the backseat as they absorbed a heartbreaking 13-15, ultimately conceding their first loss of the season, 1-2.

Men’s match vs DLSU

Pacinio and Salarzon aimed to get back in the winning column by patching up their rivals, the DLSU Green Spikers. The Blue and White set the tone of the game as they found their offensive rhythm, allowing them to claim the 1-0 advantage after a commanding 21-12 first set finish.

With momentum on their side, the Katipunan-based duo did not give an inch in the second set, 21-16, as they closed their second day campaign with a 2-0 victory against their rivals.

Women’s match vs DLSU

Keen on emerging triumphantly in their only game of the day, Grydelle Matibag and Liz Lomocso represented the Blue and White in their rivalry match against the DLSU Lady Spikers. In the opening frame, the Katipunan-based duo dragged the Lady Spikers down to the wire after a toe-to-toe finish, 22-20, earning Ateneo a 1-0 upperhand. 

Despite establishing control early in the game, Lomocso and Matibag failed to contain DLSU’s firepower in the second set, which forced a third set following a 16-21 loss.

From the get-go of the deciding set, both squads traded blows on the offensive end, leading to a deuce, 14-14. Fueled by grit and composure, the Blue Eagles rose above the occasion as they rallied for a 19-17 victory, closing the second day with a 2-1 win.

With the intensity on the sand ramping up, both squads are eager to improve their standings on the third day, November 23. Eager to pull off an upset victory, AWBVT will clash against defending champions National University Lady Bulldogs at 7:00 AM. Meanwhile, AMBVT is scheduled to take on the National University Bulldogs at 10:45 AM, followed by a match versus the reigning champions, the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Sands, at 5:00 PM. All games will occur in the same venue. 

Set scores: 

Men’s Division

Ateneo-FEU: 21-17, 16-21, 13-15

Ateneo-DLSU: 21-12, 21-16

Women’s Division

Ateneo-DLSU: 22-20, 16-21, 19-17