The Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — Ateneo de Manila University made quick work of University of the East for a bounce-back win in UAAP men’s volleyball.
The Blue Eagles swept the Red Warriors, 25-21, 25-19, 25-16 to complete their Season 87 first-round assignments, Saturday morning at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Enzo Gutierrez, a second-year setter out of Las Vegas, steered the Blue Eagles to this dominant win and a 4-3 record at the fifth spot with 18 excellent sets that allowed five players to score at least seven points.
Kennedy Batas, the league leader in scoring, unleashed a game-high 15 points on 11 attacks, two aces, and two blocks, which he complemented with 14 receptions and six digs.
Amil Pacinio also came up with 13 points on seven spikes, three blocks, and three aces, while Jian Salarzon had 12 points, nine receptions, and seven digs.
Middle blockers Jettlee Gopio and Brian Castro also produced seven points apiece to the delight of head coach Vince Mangulabnan.
“Sinasabi ko lang lagi sa kanila na may particular player talaga na mas makakarami ng puntos or like ngayong game, balanced nga kami. Itong stats wala naman sa akin as long as ‘yung collective effort namin present,” said Mangulabnan, who is in his first year of coaching Ateneo.
“Personally, masasabi ko na hindi pa ako satisfied sa ibinigay ko ngayong first round kasi merong ups and downs nga sa play, yun yung kailangan namin i-work on talaga para sa second round,” Batas added as they fail to keep the momentum on their side in the first seven games.
Ateneo made sure to finish the match in three sets, racing to an intimidating 17-8 lead in the third en route to the 80-minute victory.
On the other hand, the Red Warriors ended the first round winless but will look to change their fortunes in the second round.
UE played without both of its natural setters Andre Bicar and Dave Poquita, forcing outside spiker Steven Aligayon to be the playmaker again, tossing 14 excellent sets.
Rookie Raquim Aceron once again paced the Red Warriors with 14 points alongside 15 excellent receptions and five digs followed by another newcomer in Roy Piojo with eight.