Ateneo spikers hammer out 2 crucial wins

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo clinched a championship berth in UAAP men’s volleyball for the first time in three decades as the Lady Eagles also triumphed to advance in the women’s stepladder semifinals Saturday at Filoil Flying V Arena.

The Blue Eagles completed an amazing comeback from two sets down against Far Eastern University, 23-25, 19-25, 25-17, 28-26, 15-13, to secure the first title  slot in the men’s side.

Rookie Marck Espejo pumped in 24 points and Rex Intal had 19 to power the Blue Eagles, who last reached the men’s finals in 1980.

“The team’s maturity wasn’t there in the first two sets,” said Ateneo coach Oliver Almadro. “But when we recovered in the third set, we just held on.”

In women’s action, the Lady Eagles disposed of Adamson in straight sets, 26-24, 25-23, 25-21, in the stepladder semifinals.

Alyssa Valdez hit 19 points to lead the Lady Eagles, who will battle No. 2 National U next for the right to play unbeaten La Salle in the title series.