SUCCESSFUL PAYBACK Ateneo avenges prior loss to Adamson, nabs UAAP solo fourth spot

Ateneo de Manila University exacted revenge over Adamson University, 25–19, 25–27, 25–22, 25–20, to secure a solo fourth place with a 5–4 record in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, March 25.

The Blue Eagles leaned on Kennedy Batas’ scoring and Enzo Gutierrez’s steady playmaking late for the victory and pulled off a redemption after losing to the Adamson in the first round on February 15.

Batas spearheaded Ateneo’s ascent by chipping in 24 points, while Amil Pacinio and Jian Salazon 18 and 11 points, respectively.

Brian Castro anchored the net defense after reeling off six points and four blocks, meanwhile, Gutierrez, through his playmaking, delivered 23 precise sets that kept the Blue Eagles poised.

Batas and Gutierrez fueled the Blue Eagles’ opening surge with crucial spikes, while the latter capitalized on accurate distributions which stumped Adamson’s blockers for a 25–19 cushion.

However, the Soaring Falcons recovered as Leo Coguimbal nailed blocks, while Maruel Tan and Richard Besorio slotted key spikes to pull away from an extended second set with a 27–25 lead.

But the Eagles soared even higher.

Yet Ateneo regrouped as Salazon drilled swift hits to steer ahead from long rallies before capping the third set with Pacinio’s clutch spikes for a 25–22 upper hand.

Batas then stepped up for the Blue Eagles anew, converting down-the-line spikes into points before clinching the win with a decisive 6–1 closeout late.

Despite their defeat, Coguimbal tallied 15 points for Adamson, while Tan, Boserio and Ahmed Tajuluddin snagged 14, 13, and eight markers, correspondingly.

Ateneo looks to carry this momentum forward as they continue their tourney campaign.