Ateneo, EAC still unscathed in Spikers’ Turf

FEU’s outside spiker Joshua Barrica (left) fires off UE’s Vincent Magdaong in yesterday’s game at Filoil Flying V Arena.

Two collegiate champions extended their perfect run Monday to reach the quarterfinal round of the Spikers’ Turf Collegiate Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena.

Emilio Aguinaldo College subdued a hard-fighting Mapua squad, 25-22, 26-24, 25-17, as the NCAA champion Generals grabbed the lead in Group A while UAAP titlist Ateneo overwhelmed University of the Philippines, 25-16, 25-14, 25-21, and also rose to 3-0 in Group B.

READ: EAC stays unscathed in Spikers’ Turf

The Generals even trailed the winless Cardinals in the early stretches of the first two sets before pulling through behind Howard Mojica, Kerth Melliza and Israel Encina.

Marck Espejo starred with 14 points for the Blue Eagles, who had a total of 40 attacks.

READ: Ateneo enters Spikers’ Turf quarters

Far Eastern University downed University of the East, 19-25, 25-20, 25-19, 25-18, for a 1-2 record in Group A.

The Tamaraws picked up their first win with Jeric Gacutan firing 13 points and Gregorio Dolor adding 11.

READ: FEU nails first win in Spikers’ Turf

Only the top four in each group will advance to the next round.

Mojica, the NCAA MVP who had 19 points, took charge in the Generals’ fightback in the first set and again in the second where the Cardinals rallied from a 17-22 deficit and forged a 24-24 deadlock.

“We relaxed in the first two sets,” said EAC coach Rodrigo Palmero. “Mapua also played excellent defense.”