Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Ateneo dominated National University, 23-25, 25-20, 25-17, 25-18, in Game 1 of their best-of-three duel in the UAAP Season 78 men’s volleyball Finals Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Blue Eagles head coach Oliver Almadro was pleased with his team’s grit and resiliency after giving up the first set.
“It’s a hard-fought game, NU is a tough team but my players rose up to the challenge,” Almadro said.
A major factor in Ateneo’s romp was reigning MVP Marck Espejo, who fired 21 points for the Blue Eagles.
Espejo’s performance in Game 1 was so impressive it drove Almadro to proclaim his divinity.
“Marck is God’s gift to Ateneo volleyball.”
Rex Intal and Ysay Marasigan also delivered for the defending champions as they finished with 13 and 12 points, respectively.
NU relied on a four-pronged attack with Kim Malabunga and Ruben Baysac finishing with 13 points each while Madzlam Gampong and James Natividad had 12 apiece.