Ateneo guns for win no. 5 as the Blue Eagles hope to build off a strong ending to round in facing neighbors UP Fighting Maroons.
Ateneo looks to carry their winning momentum into the second round, as the Blue Eagles tangle with the UP Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament, Saturday, March 22, at the Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City.
The Katipunan-based squad are coming off a resounding straight-set thumping of the reeling UE Red Warriors, capping off the first round of play on a strong note and a 4-3 win-loss record.
Tournament leading scorer Ken Batas uncorked a team-high 15 points to banner the Blue Eagles’ fourth win of the season while Amil Pacinio and Jian Salarzon finished with a combined 25 markers.
Sophomore setter Enzo Gutierrez tossed 18 excellent sets in which he also allowed Jettlee Gopio and Brian Castro to rack up seven points each.
Despite the win, Batas insisted there’s more work to be done for Ateneo heading to the second half of the tournament.
“Personally, masasabi ko na hindi pa ako satisfied sa ibinigay ko ngayong first round kasi merong ups and downs nga sa play, yun yung kailangan namin i-work on talaga para sa second round,” Batas said in the post-game press conference.
Ateneo scored a four-set victory over UP in the opening round.
Serving time is at 12:00 p.m.
(With reports from Pao Ambat)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]