Ateneo beats NU anew, claims first Final 4 slot in men’s volleyball

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo struck two birds with one stone Saturday morning.

The Blue Eagles beat defending champion National University for the second time this UAAP Season 77 but more importantly they clinched the first Final Four berth in the men’s volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

“Our battlecry for today is to really go all out,” said Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro after his team won, 25-20, 25-16, 25-27, 25-16. “We really prepared hard for this game and everybody played well.”

Reigning MVP Mark Espejo led a balanced Ateneo attack with a game-high 26 points that came with seven blocks.

Three others finished in double digits with Ysrael Marasigan scoring 16, Rex Intal adding 12 and Josh Villanueva chipping in 10 for the Blue Eagles, who momentarily takes the top spot with an 8-2 record.

A win by either University of Santo Tomas or Adamson, owning identical 7-2 cards, in the second game will create a tie in first place.

Ateneo was swept in the Finals last season by NU but the Eagles returned the favor this year in the elimination round.

“Satisfying win because we beat them twice and last season we were only able to do it once,” said Almadro. “Too bad we didn’t win in straight sets but a win is a win.”

After dropping a close third set, Ateneo took the fight out of NU early in the fourth set. Last Sunday, the Eagles beat the Falcons, a championship contender, in straight sets.

“We trust one another,” Almadro said. “We’re now in the Final Four and now that we’re in the Final Four, we have a chance to make it to the Finals.”

Edwin Tolentino paced the Bulldogs, who suffered their second straight loss, with 12 points.