UP stuns Ateneo to open Season 82 bid

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—University of the Philippines had an opener to remember after a rousing upset over Ateneo 25-21, 20-25, 25-22, in the UAAP Season 82 men’s volleyball tournament Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

John Lomibao led the Fighting Maroons with 11 points while Louis Gamban added 10 points in their conquest of Season 81’s semifinalists.

UP head coach Rald Ricafort said he wanted his team to have a good start to the tournament but admitted facing the Blue Eagles in their first game added extra pressure.

“Our goal really is to start the season well but we had to face Ateneo immediately so the anticipation and pressure was there,” said Ricafort in Filipino.

“Today they were able to execute well and I’m happy because the players’ composure was there.”

The Fighting Maroons, who finished Season 81 dead last with a 1-13 record, won the aerial contest outscoring Ateneo 40-32 in spikes and 6-2 in blocks.

John Castillo and John Millette added nine and eight points, respectively.

Chumason Njigha had 12 points to lead Ateneo while Sebastian Enrique added 11.