FALLING ONCE again to error woes and reception struggles, the Ateneo Blue Eagles were outclassed by the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Spikers in a four-set barn burner, 25-20, 23-25, 21-25, 22-25. The match was held earlier today at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
This loss puts the Blue Eagles at a 3-3 win-loss record, placing them fifth in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 standings.
Leading the way for the Blue Eagles, Kennedy Batas nabbed 22 points off 20 attacks and two service aces. Supporting Batas were fellow veterans Jian Salarzon and Amil Pacinio, who tallied 19 and 14 markers, respectively. On the other side, Noel Kampton powered the Green Spikers to their victory with 27 big points.
The Blue and White鈥檚 confidence from their Sunday win carried over to the opening set, as a combination of crafty attacks from Salarzon and DLSU errors gifted Ateneo a 7-3 cushion.
Despite this, the Blue Eagles struggled to contain MJ Fortuna, as the opposite hitter earned three-straight attack points to slice the Ateneo lead to just one, 13-12.
Sensing danger, veterans Pacinio and Salarzon regained momentum for their unit with a flurry of statement spikes, capped by an off-the-block kill from Salarzon, 16-13. Batas then finished up what his teammates started, as the Most Valuable Player frontrunner converted two frontline kills and a service ace to bring the frame to set point, 24-19. A DLSU service error sealed the set for Ateneo, 25-20.
Seeking a commanding two-set advantage, the Blue Eagles kicked off the second frame with a soaring 5-1 run off intimidating blocks and well-placed services. Batas and Salarzon continued their excellent play, delivering multiple service aces and off-the-block points to extend the lead to 11-5.
However, the Katipunan-based squad relinquished their six-point lead, committing five service errors while DLSU鈥檚 Kampton provided four points, forcing a 19-19 deadlock.
The Blue Eagles went back and forth with their adversaries as both teams displayed stifling defense with multiple blocks, 21-21. Unfortunately, the Katipunan-based squad struggled to maintain composure as a Salarzon service fault and a La Salle service ace handed the second frame to the Green Spikers, 23-25.
Mirroring the events of the previous frames, the Blue Eagles once again built a sizable lead to start the third set courtesy of Batas and Pacinio鈥檚 off the block attacks, 8-4. However, Ateneo failed to handle Kampton鈥檚 overwhelming spikes, surrendering a 5-1 run to DLSU which tied the set at 11-all.
The latter part of the third set once again painted a similar picture, as the Blue Eagles鈥� struggles at the service line allowed the Green Spikers to build a lead of their own, 19-16. Determined to regain momentum for their squad, Batas and Enzo Gutierrez scored two much-needed markers to cut the deficit to one, 18-19.
Despite this last-ditch comeback effort, Ateneo failed to pick up their defensive intensity, giving up multiple attacks to La Salle. A double contact violation called against Gutierrez concluded the set, 21-25, placing the Blue Eagles at a 1-2 set disadvantage.
Looking to salvage the marquee matchup, the Blue Eagles went back-and-forth against the Green Spikers, as Batas provided four points early into the fourth frame, 6-6.
Alongside Ateneo鈥檚 star outside hitter, Salarzon contributed with a block and a check ball off the blockers. However, the Blue Eagles were unable to convert Batas and Salarzon鈥檚 points into a sizable lead, committing two errors along with three blocks from La Salle that gave the Green Spikers a four-point lead, 11-15.
Refusing to waver, Ateneo quickly responded with a 7-1 run courtesy of multiple blocks from the Blue and White and off-the-block points from Batas and Pacinio, 17-16. Both squads continued their back-and-forth affair as Salarzon and DLSU鈥檚 Kampton went toe-to-toe, 20-20.
Despite the tightly contested affair, the Blue Eagles struggled in the clutch as three-straight points from La Salle hammered the nail in Ateneo鈥檚 coffin, 22-25.
The Blue and White will look to end the first round on a high note as they face the University of the East Red Warriors on Saturday, 11:00 AM, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Box scores:
Ateneo (1): Batas – 22, Salarzon – 19, Pacinio – 14, Castro – 7, Gutierrez – 3, Gopio – 3
DLSU (3): Kampton – 27, Ventura – 13, Maglinao – 7, Fortuna – 5, Del Pilar – 4, Rodriguez – 3, Hernandez – 1, Poquita – 1
Set scores:
Ateneo-DLSU: 25-20, 23-25, 21-25, 22-25
Current Standings (W-L):
- FEU Tamaraws (6-0)
- NU Bulldogs (5-1)
- UST Golden Spikers (4-2)
- DLSU Green Spikers (4-2)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles (3-3)
- AdU Soaring Falcons (1-5)
- UP Fighting Maroons (1-5)
- UE Red Warriors (0-6
