Ateneo escapes UP to grab 4th spot

ATENEO de Manila University mustered all its strength in the fifth set to escape upset-seeking University of the Philippines (UP), 25-15, 18-25, 25-15, 2025, 15-10, in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.

With their second consecutive win, the Blue Eagles moved up above .500 at 5-4 for fourth, half a game ahead of Adamson University at 4-4, and half a game behind De La Salle University (5-3).

Ateneo also avoided a deja vu of last year as UP won its lone game of Season 85 against the former in the second round of action, 13-25, 22-25, 26-24, 3937, 15-12, on April 12, 2023. That win by the Fighting Maroons was their last, extending their skid to 13 games as they fell to 0-9 this season.

Ken Batas, Amil Pacinio, and Jian Salarzon went to work in the fifth with Ryan Daculan also chipping in to tire out the Fighting Maroons and finish the game in two hours and five minutes.

Batas erupted for 30 points on 27 attacks, two blocks and an ace along with nine digs, while Salarzon followed with 20 points including four blocks.

Pacinio also displayed his versatility with 16 points and 27-of-35 receptions.

Leinuel Crisostomo stepped up with 19 receptions and 11 digs as main libero Lance de Castro, who leads the league in digging and receiving, left the match during the first set after sitting on his own leg while attempting to receive a ball from UP.

Jaivee Malabanan had a complete game in a starter role for the Fighting Maroons with 19 points, 25 receptions and six digs.