UAAP men’s volleyball: Ateneo caps 1st round with rout of NU

Defending champion Ateneo overwhelmed National University, 25-19, 25-15, 25-15, in a rematch of last year’s finals in the UAAP Season 78 men’s volleyball tournament Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Reigning MVP Marck Espejo was unstoppable with an efficient 15-point outing — converting 10 of his 18 spike attempts — for the Blue Eagles.

Ateneo ended the first round of the elimination round on top with a 6-1 record.

Earlier, Adamson repulsed University of Santo Tomas in four sets, 25-12, 18-25, 25-21, 25-22.

The Falcons, who are the only team to topple the Blue Eagles so far, also wrapped up the opening round with an impressive 6-1 record.

Adamson had four players in double figures led by Dave Pletado’s game-high 19 points. Michael Sudaria scored 15 while Bryan Saraza and Jerome Sarmiento tallied 13 and 11 points, respectively.

The third-ranked Bulldogs shot themselves in the foot with 29 miscues and reeled to their second loss in six games. James Natividad paced NU with eight points.

The Tigers, who were led by Manuel Medina’s 15 points, suffered their fifth loss in six starts.