By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles secured sole possession of fourth place after turning back the Adamson University Falcons, 25-19, 25-27, 25-22, 25-20, in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, March 25.
The Blue Eagles leaned on a balanced attack to avenge their first-round loss to the Soaring Falcons and stretch their winning streak to three, improving to a 5-4 record in the eight-team field.
Negrense Jian Salazon delivered an all-around performance for Ateneo, finishing with 11 points and 11 excellent receptions, providing stability on both ends as the Blue Eagles weathered Adamson’s resistance.
After a tight fourth set that saw both teams tied at 10-all, Ateneo created separation with a 5-0 run anchored on key hits from Amil Pacinio and Brian Castro, along with Adamson errors, to take a 15-10 advantage.
The Soaring Falcons managed to knot the score at 19, but Ateneo responded with a decisive 6-1 closing burst, highlighted by crucial attacks from Aimar Okeke and more errors from Adamson to seal the win in two hours and two minutes.
Kennedy Batas led Ateneo with 24 points built on 21 attacks, two aces and a block, on top of 15 excellent receptions and three digs.
Pacinio added 18 points, while Castro contributed six markers, including four blocks.
Okeke also made his presence felt late, converting six of his 12 attempts in the fourth set.
Setter Enzo Gutierrez orchestrated the offense with 23 excellent sets, while Lance de Castro anchored the floor defense with 18 excellent receptions and five digs.
The victory, coupled with De La Salle University’s loss earlier in the day, allowed Ateneo to claim solo fourth place heading into a key matchup against defending champion National University at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion on Saturday, March 28.
Meanwhile, Adamson fell to 2-7 to remain in seventh place after absorbing its second straight defeat.
Leo Coguimbal paced the Soaring Falcons with 15 points, including nine blocks./ASC, WDJ