Currently riding their longest winning streak since Season 85, the Ateneo Blue Eagles are eager for revenge against rivals DLSU Green Spikers.
Eyeing payback over their collegiate rivals are the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
The Katipunan-based squad also seek a fourth-straight victory in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament, crossing paths with the DLSU Green Spikers, Wednesday, April 2, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City.
Game time is at 9:00 a.m.
Ateneo improved to 2-0 this second round following a four-set dismissal of the Adamson Soaring Falcons, solidifying their grip for solo third in the team standings.
The Blue Eagles are now holding a 6-3 slate just behind the no. 1 FEU Tamaraws (9-1) and the four-time defending champion NU Bulldogs (8-2).
Tournament top scorer Ken Batas spearheaded Ateneo’s onslaught with a team-high 20 points to help his squad complete a season sweep of Adamson.
“Honestly, nung first two sets lousy ‘yung galaw ng isa’t isa so sinabihan ko lang sila na mag-smile kayo kasi malaking tulong 'yan and don’t be encouraged kasi nawala kami sa focus nung second set. In the latter part ng game, we were able to overcome ‘yung ganoong challenges,” Batas told reporters in the post-game press conference.
Jian Salarzon added 19 markers while Amil Pacinio chipped in 15 points in a one-hour, 52-minute battle.
Setter Enzo Gutierrez tallied 24 excellent sets as the Blue Eagles target their first win over the Green Spikers since the second round of Season 85.
(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.]