Falcons tie Bulldogs on top in UAAP men’s volley

Adamson grabbed a share of top spot after downing Far Eastern U in straight sets, 25-20, 25-21, 25-23, at the end of the first round of the UAAP men’s volleyball tournament eliminations yesterday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Michael Sudaria and Juan Christopher David  combined for 18 points, all on spikes, as the Falcons streaked to their sixth straight victory.

The Falcons joined National University at No. 1 with similar 6-1 records as the defending champion Bulldogs blew their bid for a 7-0 sweep a day earlier.

Tipped to dominate the tournament for the third straight season, the virtually intact Bulldogs surprisingly absorbed a five-set loss to Ateneo, 20-25, 25-21, 18-25, 25-19, 15-10, Sunday also at MOA Arena.

Marck Espejo, last season’s rookie MVP, powered the Blue Eagles with a game-high 26 points. Also shining for Ateneo were Ysrael Marasigan (15 points) and Ishmael Rivera (10 points).

The Blue Eagles finished tied for third with University of Santo Tomas at 5-2.

The league will take a break this week in deference to Pope Francis’ visit in the country  from Jan. 15 to 19.  Second-round action will kick off on Jan. 21.