The Ateneo Blue Spikers celebrate after getting a point in Game 2 of the UAAP Men’s Volleyball Finals. Led by Marck Espejo (15) and Ysay Marasigan (8), the Blue Spikers notched their second straight UAAP title. TRISTAN TAMAYO/INQUIRER.net
Ateneo notched its second straight UAAP Men’s Volleyball title, ripping apart National University, 25-16, 25-20, 25-19, Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
A three-set sweep capped off the Blue Eagles’ stellar 13-1elimination round record that saw Marck Espejo take his third straight MVP trophy with the Best Spiker, and Best Server awards and Ish Polvorosa become Best Setter.
READ: Ateneo’s Valdez, Espejo set to receive 3rd straight MVP titles
Espejo rose up from the backrow to slam home the final point of the match and seal the championship for the Blue Eagles.
Blue Eagles head coach Oliver Almadro said defending the title was a somewhat worrisome experience as it was the first time they went to the Finals as the champions.
“Sobrang happy pero kakaiba ‘yung feeling kasi sabi ko nga first time namin to defend the title,” Almadro said. “Parang anxiety. Well the players delivered and believed they are worthy.”
“I just told the players that this is a simple game.”
Outgoing team captain Ysay Marasigan was awarded the Finals MVP trophy as he led the Blue Eagles with 12 points, while season MVP Espejo and Joshua Villanueva had 11 points, apiece.
No Bulldog finished in double-digit scoring with Rookie of the Year James Natividad being limited to just eight points, while Philipp Saura had seven.
Ateneo went on a relentless attack scoring 36 points off spikes while NU only managed 20.
The Eagles had an easier time disposing the Bulldogs Wednesday after they needed four sets to thwart the Bulldogs in Game One on Saturday. IDL
READ: UAAP: Blue Eagles take Game 1, overwhelm Bulldogs