Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) improved their bid to enter the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball Final Four after moving past the University of the East (UE) yesterday.
The Blue Eagles posted a 25-17, 23-25, 25-19, 25-20 victory over the Red Warriors during their matchup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, and this win propelled them to a .500 win-loss record.
Leading the Ateneans was Ken Batas, who had 25 points, which were built on 23 attacks and two blocks, and he also tallied eight digs for his team.
Following him were Jian Salarzon, who tallied 16 markers alongside 22 receptions; Jettlee Gopio, who finished with 13; and Jan Mangulabnan, who delivered 21 excellent digs.
Ateneo improved to 6-6 in the league standings, and this record bolstered their chances of chasing the no. 4 ranked University of Santo Tomas (7-5).
“Like what I explained to them, whatever happened yesterday and whatever is happening now in the men’s league, may windows na nag-o-open ng opportunity for us to get into that Final Four,” ADMU head coach Timmy Sto. Tomas said after the game.
“I reminded the players na binibigay sa atin ‘yung chance, so we need to work hard for it. Hindi pwedeng maghihintay lang tayo, and it will be served to us on a silver platter,” he added of his team, who were only a game short of clinching a semifinals slot in Season 85.
After splitting the first two sets, the Blue Eagles opened the third canto with a 14-7 run, and they banked on this strong start to not only get the one-set advantage but also close the game in the fourth frame.
UE absorbed their fourth straight defeat and spoiled the efforts of Joshua Pozas and Tebs Aligayon, who had 11 points, nine digs and seven receptions, and 12 markers, 14 receptions and three digs, respectively.
Angelo Reyes also stood out for the Recto-based team with 12 points, while Andre Bicar was also one of the few bright spots for UE as he finished with 17 excellent sets.
The Katipunan-based squad still has De La Salle University on April 21, and Adamson University on April 24, and these assignments will be crucial for their semifinals bid.
Meanwhile, the 1-10 Red Warriors will be going up against University of Santo Tomas on April 21 and La Salle on April 27. (ABS-CBN News)