Ateneo flogs St. Benilde; Far Eastern sweeps UST

Ateneo de Manila continued its dominance in the men’s division of the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference by disposing of College of St. Benilde, 25-13, 25-22, 25-22, yesterday at The Arena in San Juan City.

Marck Espejo spearheaded the twotime defending champion by imposing his might at the attack lane with 15 kills to finish with 17 points.

The win cemented the Eagles’ hold of top spot by grabbing their fourth straight victory in as many matches to remain the only unbeaten team in the conference.

The Blazers, for their part, took their third consecutive loss in as many outings.

Ish Polvorosa also played a crucial role in Ateneo’s offense by essaying 30 excellent sets, while Ishmael Rivera and Chumason Njingha combined for 16 points.

Isaah Arda scored 11 points for St. Benilde, which struggled with 27 errors in the one-hour match.

Meanwhile, Far Eastern University squeaked past a determined University of Santo Tomas, 25-23, 25-23, 26-24, for the Tamaraws’ third triumph against a lone defeat, tightening their grip of second spot.

John Paul Bugaoan and Redijohn Paler teamed up for FEU with 16 and 11 points, respectively, including a combined 22 kills and four blocks.

UST fell to 2-2 and joined De La Salle at third place despite Joshua Umandal and Arnold Bautista leading the squad with a combined 26 points.

The Tams led the Tigers in attacks, 41-35, despite making less blocks, 9-5.