Fresh from a heartbreak loss to DLSU, the Ateneo Blue Eagles look to vent ire on the UST Golden Spikers in a crucial clash between two playoff contenders.
Ateneo looks for a recovery win as the Blue Eagles engage in a critical UAAP Season 87 duel with fellow Final Four hopefuls UST Golden Spikers in the men’s volleyball tournament, Saturday, April 5, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City.
Match time is at 9:00 a.m.
Coming off a five-set heartbreak against DLSU, the Katipunan-based squad are out for a quick turnaround and create separation from the middle of the pack.
After the no. 1 FEU Tamaraws and second-ranked and four-time champions NU Bulldogs, three teams are figured in a three-way tie for the third spot with the Green Spikers, Blue Eagles, and the Golden Spikers all holding a similar 6-4 win-loss record.
Ateneo came up short against De La Salle in a game where the two teams played the longest fifth set of the season in both men’s and women’s division so far.
The loss proved to be much bitter as the Blue Eagles wasted eight match points and led four points twice in the final canto.
Tournament leading scorer Ken Batas battled through cramps late to drop a 26-point outing, but Ateneo absorbed their first loss in the second round after winning the first two.
Jian Salarzon racked up 20 markers while Amil Pacinio added 18 points and Jett Gopio poured 10.
Against UST, Ateneo targets a season sweep for just the second consecutive year.
(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.]