Ateneo Blue Eagles celebrate during a victory UST Golden Spikers in UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo snapped the four-game winning streak of University of Santo Tomas and spoiled the brief return of two-time MVP Josh Ybañez, 25-20, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Blue Eagles banked on the trio of Ken Batas, Amil Pacinio, and Jian Salarzon to assert their mastery of the Golden Spikers with a three-game winning streak in their head-to-head since last year.
Batas led Ateneo with 21 points off 17 kills, three aces and a block and also had 10 excellent receptions. Pacinio delivered 17 points, while Salarzon tallied 12 points, eight receptions, and six digs to rise to a 3-2 record.
READ: UAAP men’s volleyball: FEU overcomes Ateneo to stay perfect
Ateneo coach Vince Mangulabnan, Ken Batas, and Amil Pacinio after ending UST’s streak. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/xvhZteVrxs
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 9, 2025
“Every team we’ll face moving forward is a top team. All UAAP teams are strong and championship-caliber,” said Ateneo coach Vince Mangulabnan in Filipino.
“That’s how we need to prepare for every game—regardless of their rank or even if they’re competing on the world stage. Our mindset should always be that we’re up against a top-tier opponent to ensure we don’t become complacent.”
Ybañez, who sustained a Grade 2 right ankle sprain in their season-opening loss against FEU last February 15, returned to action as a service specialist in the last three sets.
UST slid to a 4-2 record before its finals rematch against defending champion National University on Sunday next week at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
JJ Macam led the Golden Spikers with 14 points. Jay Rack Dela Noche had 12 points, while GBoy De Vega and Popoy Colinares added 11 each.
READ: UAAP: UST cruises to fourth straight win in men’s volleyball
Meanwhile, the five-peat’-seeking National University overcame a sluggish third-set loss before taking down the skidding University of the Philippines, 25-12, 25-15, 15-25, 25-22.
Buds Buddin powered the Bulldogs to a 4-1 record with 22 points off 17 attacks, three aces, and two blocks. Leo Aringo backstopped him with 16 points built on 12 attacks, two blocks, and two aces on top of 10 excellent receptions, while Leo Ordiales scattered nine attacks and five blocks to finish with 14 points.
“Our main problem in the third set was our unforced errors, and whenever we gained momentum, we would lose it. In the fourth set, we just set our minds on making sure that everything we did was certain—we couldn’t afford to doubt ourselves,” said NU coach Dante Alinsunurin in Filipino.
“I told them that whenever we face a tough situation, we should go back to the basics and just enjoy what we’re doing. Also, every time we do something good, we should celebrate it because, in some way, it helps boost each other’s confidence.”
READ: UAAP: UST sweeps Adamson, NU keeps UE winless in men’s volleyball
Greg Ancheta paced NU with 18 excellent sets, as middle blockers Peng Taguibolos had nine points off five attacks and four blocks and Congolese Obed Mukaba chipped in eight points on four attacks, three blocks, and an ace.
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UP absorbed its fifth straight loss after winning the opener, sliding to a 1-5 record.
Olayemi Raheem led the Fighting Maroons with 16 points, while Tommy Castrodes added 13 points.
