Ateneo rebounds, gets first win at expense of La Salle

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Ateneo bounced back and trounced De La Salle in straight sets, 25-20, 25-19, 27-25, for its first win in the UAAP Season 82 men’s volleyball tournament Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Chumason Njigha was on target for the Blue Eagles, who relied heavily on their starters the whole game, with 20 points on an efficient 18-of-30 on spikes.

The Blue Eagles, who competed in Season 81’s Final Four, came off an upset loss to University of the Philippines, 25-21, 25-20, 25-22.

Ateneo head coach Timmy Sto. Tomas wanted his team to show no letup and not repeat what happened against the Fighting Maroons.

“I’m just happy that everyone performed well today coming from a tough loss against UP,” said Sto. Tomas. “I was very happy that my players stood up to the call to bounce back after our loss.”

“Actually we had the wrong mindset in our loss against UP because, I think, the players were too confident. The past years, the players didn’t feel that much pressure against UP.”

Kurt Aguilar and Ron Medalla played support for Njigha, finishing with 13 and 12 points, respectively, for the Blue Eagles.

John Mark Ronquillo tallied 11 points to lead the Green Spikers who fell to 0-1.