ATENEO de Manila University overcame another 30-point explosion from Nigerian wing spiker Olayemi Raheem to outlast the University of the Philippines (UP), 21-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-18, and notch its first win in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Volleyball Tournament Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Eager to atone for an opening-day defeat to Adamson, the Blue Eagles rebounded from a first-set stumble, finding timely relief from reigning MVP Kennedy Batas in a crucial third-set comeback before closing out the match in four sets behind the clutch service aces of Enzo Gutierrez.
With the two-hour, four-minute win, Ateneo claimed a share of third place alongside UP, both holding 1-1 win-loss records.
In the fourth set, Ateneo quickly turned a slim two-point lead into a commanding 15-9 advantage with a pivotal 7-3 run, capped by a Jian Salarzon crosscourt hit, a block, and a service ace from Rodge Alejos.
UP briefly regained its rhythm as consecutive attacks by Abram Robles, Raheem, and Tommy Castrodes trimmed the deficit to 18-17.
The Blue Eagles, however, had the final say, finishing the contest with a dominant 7-1 run highlighted by two Batas attacks, three consecutive aces from Gutierrez, an Amil Pacinio Jr. crosscourt hit, and a crucial service error by Castrodes.
Earlier in the fourth set, Ateneo had narrowly taken a 2-1 sets advantage after converting an 18-20 deficit in the third set into a 25-22 triumph, with four of their last seven points coming from Batas.
Salarzon led the Blue Eagles with 19 points on 16 attacks, two aces, one block, and 10 excellent receptions, while Gutierrez orchestrated the offense with 19 excellent sets and six points.