By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles overcame a seven-point deficit in the second set before sweeping traditional rival the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Spikers, 25-22, 25-23, 25-22, to gain crucial breathing room in the race for the last two Final 4 berths in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball at the FilOil Centre in San Juan City.
Trailing 9-16 in the second frame, the Blue Eagles unleashed a dominant 16-7 comeback run behind the combined efforts of Nigerian wing spiker Aimar Okeke, Negrense Jian Salarzon and Amil Pacinio to seize a 2-0 set lead that proved too difficult for the Green Spikers to overcome.
With the win, Ateneo strengthened its hold on solo fourth place with a 7-5 record, opening a two-game cushion over fifth-running La Salle (5-7) as both teams head into their final two elimination round assignments.
After a shaky start in the opening set, a block from Eugene Gloria helped the Green Spikers build a comfortable 16-9 cushion in the second.
However, the Blue Eagles responded with authority, unleashing a 16-7 surge capped by a Salarzon backrow hit and a Pacinio down-the-line attack to take full control and build a 2-0 set advantage.
In the third set, La Salle stayed within striking distance and forced a 19-all deadlock, but Ateneo once again delivered in the clutch, mounting a decisive 4-1 run.
The spurt featured two Okeke attacks, a Rodge Alejos quick hit, and an off-the-block point from Salarzon to establish a 23-20 lead.
A crosscourt hit by Gloria and an attack error from Pacinio cut the lead to 23-22, but Salarzon converted a crucial attack, while Cameroonian middle blocker Issa Ousseini committed an attack miscue that sealed Ateneo’s straight-sets victory in one hour and 34 minutes.
Salarzon finished with a game-high 21 points, along with 18 excellent receptions and four excellent digs, while Pacinio added 13 points and four excellent digs.
Okeke contributed 12 points on eight attacks and three blocks, along with 11 excellent receptions and two excellent digs, while Enzo Gutierrez dished out 19 excellent sets and added two points.
Graduating libero Lance de Castro anchored the defense with 15 excellent digs and six excellent receptions.
Yoyong Mendoza paced La Salle with 13 points on 10 attacks and three blocks, while Gloria had 10 points, seven excellent digs and five excellent receptions.
Chris Hernandez added eight points, six excellent receptions and three excellent digs, while rookie libero Sherwin Retiro finished with 20 excellent receptions and eight excellent digs./ASC, WDJ