Ateneo Blue Eagles’ Jian Salarzon. –UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo overcame a gritty Adamson side, pulling off a come-from-behind 20-25, 25-20, 19-25, 25-23, 15-10 victory to stretch its winning streak to three games in the UAAP Season 85 men’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Jian Salarzon uncorked 22 points built on 20 attacks, one ace, and a block to lead the Blue Eagles’ comeback from a 1-2 match deficit.
“We’re happy because we keep on winning our games. But we had a lot of lapses today that’s why we struggled. We failed to execute what our coaches wanted us to do,” said Salarzon after delivering 19 excellent receptions.
Ateneo stood its ground in the fourth and pulled away from a slim 11-9 lead in the fifth set, by scoring three straight points capped by a setting error by Carlo Alegre to reach match point, 14-9.
Amil Pacinio committed a service error but Salarzon nailed a down-the-line kill to end the two-hour and 49-minute game.
Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 85 men’s volleyball tournament. –UAAP PHOTO
The Blue Eagles improved to a 5-4 record, tying fourth placer La Salle before the Holy Week break.
“In the fifth set, it will all boil down to whoever serves and receives well. Thankfully we were able to serve and we were able to receive properly that’s why we were able to get the fifth set,” said coach Timmy Sto. Tomas.
Pacinio also stepped up for Ateneo with 19 points and 19 receptions, while Ken Batas, who didn’t play in the first set, finished with 18 markers and 10 digs.
Adamson slid to a 1-8 record despite the 22-point effort of Evander Novillo.
Novillo had 19 kills, two blocks, and an ace to lead the Falcons. Francis Casas had 18 points, 14 receptions, and eight digs, while Joshua Magalaman added 12.