MANILA – Ateneo de Manila University triumphed over Adamson University, 25-19, 25-27, 25-22, 25-20, on Wednesday, securing fourth place in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball race at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Blue Eagles relied on their star players — Kennedy Batas, Amil Pacinio, and Jian Salazon — to notch their third straight win, improving to a 5-4 record.
Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas ended De La Salle University’s four-game streak with a 25-18, 30-28, 25-23 win, holding on to third place at 6-3. Far Eastern University leads at 8-1, followed by National University at 7-2. La Salle slid to fifth at 4-5, with UP (3-6), Adamson (2-7), and UE (1-8) rounding out the standings.
Coach Vince Mangulabnan of Ateneo lauded his squad, stating, “Every player contributed to our strategy. The success was truly the result of team collaboration and everyone’s input.”
Batas excelled with 24 points, including 21 attacks, two aces, and one block, along with 15 receptions and three digs. Pacinio tallied 18 points, Salazon had 11 points and 11 receptions, while Brian Castro scored six points with four blocks. Enzo Gutierrez distributed 23 sets and scored four points, and Lance de Castro recorded 18 receptions.
Adamson’s Mark Leo Coguimbal led his team with 15 points, including nine blocks — the highest since Feb. 21. Maruel Iverson Tan added 14 points, Richard Besorio 13 points with 13 receptions, and Andrew Tahiluddin and Lance Flestado contributed eight and six points, respectively.
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