Spikers’ Turf: Ateneo repeats perfect season, sweeps NU for title

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Ateneo repeated last year’s perfect season and successfully defended its Spiker’s Turf title with a 25-14, 18-25, 25-20, 25-20 victory over National University Monday at Philsports Arena in Pasig.

The Blue Eagles imposed their dominance throughout Season 2 Collegiate Conference, sweeping their nine games and reasserting their mastery over rival Bulldogs in the championship series.

“We’re not thinking of [the sweep], but it’s the will of the Lord na ma-sweep namin ang tournament,” said Ateneo coach Oliver Almadro.

Most Valuable Player Marck Espejo and Finals MVP Tony Koyfman proved to be Ateneo’s one-two punch, both unloading 15 points in the victory.

League best setter Ish Polvorosa also had 36 of the Blue Eagles’ 38 excellent sets in the win.

Though still in cloud nine, Almadro knows that this is just one of the Blue Eagles’ preparation for their title defense in the UAAP season.

“It’s good to win this one, but we really want the UAAP championship this year. We badly want it,” he said.

Bryan Bagunas carried NU with 15 points, 12 of which from kills, two blocks, and a service ace.

Espejo was also named as the 1st best outside spiker, while La Salle’s Raymark Woo was hailed as the 2nd best outside spiker.

Other individual awards were given to University of Santo Tomas’ Kim Sawal as the best libero, La Salle’s Rafael del Pilar as the 1st best middle blocker, NU’s Kim Malabunga as the 2nd best middle blocker, and NU’s Madzlan Gampong as the best opposite spiker.

University of Santo Tomas also claimed third place in the tourney.