By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles snapped a two-game slump, ending the first round with a 25-14, 25-17, 25-20 sweep of the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors in the UAAP Season 88 collegiate men’s volleyball at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Negrense Jian Salarzon, who was limited to just four points in the previous match, bounced back with 15 points on 12 attacks, three blocks and six receptions to lead the Blue Eagles to their drought-ending win.

“Sobrang dami ng tight games namin this first round. Kung dapat nadisiplina lang namin ‘yung sarili namin eh, nagawan agad namin ng paraan. Sana makakakuha pa kami ng wins. Magbi-base kami sa assessment namin, ipa-polish pa ‘yung kailangan namin,” Ateneo head coach Vince Mangulabnan said.

“Sa men’s volleyball ngayon, hindi mo talaga alam kung sinong malakas at sino ang hindi kasi sobrang pantay pantay talaga siya. Malingat ka lang ng konti, tatalunin ka eh,” he added.

The victory was much needed for the Blue Eagles, who came off two straight losses against the league’s top teams, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws and the National University Bulldogs.

Ateneo finished the first round with a 3-4 record, currently in solo fourth place, though De La Salle University and University of the Philippines, both at 2-4, still have a game left.

The Red Warriors threatened to extend the match with a 17-15 lead in the third set, but the Blue Eagles remained resolute. Off-the-bench Julio Yu sparked an 8-0 fightback, allowing Ateneo to seize control and secure the victory in 80 minutes.

Pacinio contributed eight points, while Kennedy Batas and Rodge Alejos added five and four points, respectively.

Aceron led UE with 14 points, but support was scarce. Mark Lee Budias was the next highest scorer with just four points.

The Red Warriors ended the first round on a four-game skid, dropping to 1-6 and sitting in last place./ASC, WDJ