The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles battled back from a setdown and repulsed the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 23-25, 25-22, 25-19, 25-16, in the V-League Men’s Collegiate Conference on Sunday afternoon at Paco Arena in Manila.
Jian Salarzon produced a game-high 18 markers, including four blocks, while Kennedy Batas added 13 markers as the Blue Eagles kicked off their campaign on a winning note.
“For a first game, we’ll take this win. Kahit there are instances that we were up, biglang hahabol ‘yung kalaban, and then babawiin namin,” said Blue Eagles head coach Timothy Sto. Tomas.
The Blue Eagles scored eight unanswered points to pull away from a tight 9-all count in the fourth set, with Batas spiking their decisive blast with two straight hits and Anil Pacino capping it with an ace.
Ervin Osabel scored 14 points, while Bryan Cabrera added 11 markers and two blocks for the Generals, which dropped to 0-2 in the standings.
Meanwhile, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws survived a gritty stand by the De La Salle University Green Spikers, 25-22, 20-25, 25-23, 16-25, 17-15, as they ended with an identical 1-1 slate.
The Tams upended the Green Spikers, overcoming huge deficits, including a 9–13 hole in the fifth decider. Dryx Saavedra stepped up to anchor the team’s stirring 8-2 closing run, which was capped by back-to-back kills.
Saavedra wound up with 25 points, all from spikes; Andrei Delicana added 16 points on 12 spikes, three blocks, and an ace; and Jomel Codilla finished with nine markers for FEU.
“‘Yung nangyari sa game is make-or-break din kasi balikatan ‘yung laban. Sa mga ganyan din, test of character din ng players kung paano mag-handle ng pressure,” said newly-installed Tamaraws head coach Ed Orcullo.
