UAAP men's volley: Ateneo Blue Eagles tame UST Golden Spikers for 3rd win

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo de Manila University overcame a third-set stumble to snap University of Santo Tomas' four-game winning streak, securing a 25-20, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21 victory in the UAAP Season 87 men's volleyball tournament on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The triumph marked the Blue Eagles' third straight conquest of the Golden Spikers' dating back from last season.

Bouncing back from a four-set loss to still-undefeated Far Eastern University last March 2, Ateneo handed the streaking UST a reality check.

With the win, the Blue Eagles improved to a 3-2 record, tying the De La Salle University Green Spikers for fourth place ahead of their highly anticipated rivalry match on Wednesday, March 12, at the same Pasay venue.

Ateneo's triumph also spoiled the return of two-time MVP Josh Ybañez, who came off the bench for UST after missing four games due to a Grade 2 right ankle sprain sustained in their season-opening loss against FEU last February 15.

"Every team we'll face moving forward is a top team. All UAAP teams are strong and championship-caliber. That's how we need to prepare for every game—regardless of their rank or even if they're competing on the world stage. Our mindset should always be that we're up against a top-tier opponent to ensure we don't become complacent," Ateneo head coach Vince Mangulabnan said.

With the loss—and National University's four-set win over the University of the Philippines earlier in the day—UST dropped to solo third place in the eight-team standings with a 4-2 record.

With the fourth set tied at 15-all, the Blue Eagles broke away with a crucial 5-0 run, capitalizing on three attack errors from JJ Macam and Gboy de Vega, along with two quick hits from Jian Salarzon, to establish a 20-15 cushion.

Rookie opposite hitter Al-Bukharie Sali attempted to keep UST within reach, but Ateneo's balanced attack proved too much. Amil Pacinio fired two consecutive kills, followed by a crosscourt hit from Kennedy Batas, an attack error by Dela Noche, and a game-sealing down-the-line spike from Pacinio to complete the four-set victory.

In the second set, Ateneo erased a 17-19 deficit with a late surge led by Pacinio, Brian Castro, and Batas to claim a 25-22 win and take a commanding two-set lead. The Blue Eagles also capitalized on UST's 11 errors in the opening frame, with Batas scoring the final three points to put Ateneo ahead early.

"I told them that if we win, it's not because of us coaches—it's because of them. They trusted our game plan. Our role is simply to guide them in practice and in studying the game, and in the end, all the preparation paid off," Mangulabnan added.

Batas continued his scoring run with a game-high 21-point performance built on 17 attacks, three aces, and one block with 10 excellent receptions and two excellent digs, while Pacinio provided ample support with 17 points on 14 attacks, two blocks, and one ace.

Salarzon tallied 12 points on 11 attacks and one block with eight excellent receptions and two six excellent digs, while Castro chipped in six points on three attacks and three blocks.

Lorenzo Gutierrez dished out 20 excellent sets with two points, while team captain Lance de Castro had six excellent digs and five excellent receptions.

Macam paced the Golden Spikers in the losing effort with 14 points, six excellent digs, and three excellent receptions, while Dela Noche scored 12 points on 11 attacks and one block with four excellent digs.

De Vega provided 11 points, five excellent receptions, and four excellent digs off the bench, while Popoy Colinares also tallied 11 points on eight attacks, two blocks, and one ace.

Team captain Dux Yambao tossed 20 excellent sets.

The Golden Spikers now aim to close out the first round on a high note when they face the Bulldogs in a rematch of the past two UAAP men's volleyball finals next Sunday, March 16, at the Araneta Coliseum. TMT