Claiming to be far from peak form, Ateneo still turned back rival La Salle, 25-15, 23-25, 25-19, 25-23, for a share of the early lead in the Spikers’ Turf Collegiate Conference Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Arena.
UAAP Most Valuable Player Marck Espejo and skipper Ysrael Maraigan shone for the Blue Eagles, who overpowered the Green Archers on attacks, 58-45.
“We’re at 60 to 70 percent [from our ideal form],” said Ateneo coach Oliver Almadro. “But our blocking and defense really helped us a lot in this game.”
In the other match, St. Benilde easily disposed of La Salle-Dasmariñas in straight sets, 25-18, 25-18, 25-15, with Mark Orian delivering 10 points.
Ateneo and St. Benilde joined idle University of the Philippines on top of Group B at 1-0.
NCAA champion Emilio Aguinaldo College likewise served notice of its title drive with a straight-set 25-15, 25-22, 25-21 victory over University of the East in the third game.
MVP Howard Mojica unloaded 16 kills and had one block as the Generals overcame the Warriors’ solid blocking to share the Group A lead with NU and NCBA.