Ateneo recovered from its season opening loss and trumped National University in a Finals rematch from a year ago, 26-24, 25-21, 17-25, 25-19, in the UAAP Season 80 men’s volleyball tournament Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Centre.
The Blue Eagles saw their 30-game unbeaten streak turn into dust when they lost to Far Eastern University in straight sets, 25-18, 25-19, 25-22, in their first game of the year.
“We just came from a terrible loss and it just shows that everything should come from the ground,” said Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro. “My players delivered well, they owned this game. In a span of two days they adjusted right away.”
Four-time MVP Marck Espejo had 24 points to lead the 1-1 Blue Eagles while Gian Carlo Glorioso added 11 for the defending champions.
Bryan Bagunas had 18 points to lead the Bulldogs with James Natividad and Fauzi Ismail putting up 17 and 16 points, respectively.
In the first game, University of Santo Tomas improved to a 2-0 slate after turning back University of the East 25-11, 25-21, 20-25, 25-15.
Arnold Bautista led the Tiger Spikers with 13 points while Joshua Umandal and Juren Buro added 12 points apiece.
UE skipper Geric Ortega had 12 points for the Red Warriors as they dropped to 0-2.