Currently outside of the Final Four picture, the Ateneo Blue Eagles are in must-win mode in their final three-game stretch of the UAAP Season 87.
It’s basically fight-or-flight mode for the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
The Katipunan-based squad embark on a critical home stretch in their UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball campaign, waging war with the playoff-bound FEU Tamaraws on Wednesday, April 9, at the PhilSports Arena, Pasig City.
Match time is at 11:00 a.m.
With the Tamaraws (10-1) and the four-time champion NU Bulldogs (9-1) already secured or at least assured of the two Final Four berths, the race for the remaining two slots is being highly-contested by three teams.
Only one game separates the UST Golden Spikers and DLSU Green Spikers — who are in joint-third at 7-4 — and the Blue Eagles (6-5) in the team standings.
Ateneo suffered a huge blow in their playoff drive, absorbing a deflating 15-25, 24-26, and 24-26 defeat at the hands of UST.
Tournament leading scorer Ken Batas produced 20 points but was the only double-digit performer for his squad. Amil Pacinio put up nine markers while Jian Salarzon was just limited to four points.
The Blue Eagles will face the Bulldogs in their penultimate match on April 13 before capping off their elimination round schedule against the UE Red Warriors on April 26.
(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.]