The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles displayed their dominance over rival De La Salle University Green Spikers with a 25-17, 26-24, and 25-15 straight set rout in the V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge on late Sunday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The victory gave the Blue Eagles momentum and confidence as they take on the same team in the semifinal round, with the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers and Far Eastern University Tamaraws clashing in the other half of the draw.
The Blue Eagles broke away from a tight 11-10 game in the third set as Amil Pacinio pounced on the Green Spikers’ wobbly service reception to fuel a 6-0 run, with Jian Salarzon and Ken Batas sealing the set and the match with clutch kills.
“We just have to remind them mentally that we are not in the position to relax in every game. Every game, kailangang nag-prepare, kailangan naming maglaro ng maayos, dahil kailangan naming matuto every time,” said Blue Eagles head coach Timothy Sto. Tomas.
Batas top-scored again for the Blue Eagles with 15 points; Pacinio finished with 13 markers; and Salarzon was also productive with eight spikes and three timely blocks in the win.
JM Ronquillo scored 14 points to lead the Green Spikers, while Yoyong Mendoza and Noel Kampton struggled against the Blue Eagles’ defense as they combined for six markers in the loss.
Meanwhile, dethroned champions the National University Bulldogs whipped the San Beda University Red Lions, 25-20, 25-19, and 25-16, to close out their elims campaign on a 4-3 (win-loss) slate for fifth.
Leo Aringo top-scored for the Bulldogs with 13 points, including nine attacks, while Michaelo Buddin pummeled the defense with five aces to end with 11 markers.
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