By Jean Malanum
MANILA – Ateneo de Manila University defeated Adamson University, 25-19, 25-27, 25-22, 25-20, Wednesday to secure solo fourth place in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Banking on Season 87 MVP Kennedy Batas, Amil Pacinio and Jian Salazon, the Blue Eagles rolled to their third straight victory and improved to a 5-4 record.
Earlier, University of Santo Tomas ended De La Salle University’s four-game winning streak, 25-18, 30-28, 25-23, to remain in third place at 6-3, behind Far Eastern University (8-1) and National University (7-2).
La Salle slid to fifth at 4-5 followed by UP (3-6), Adamson (2-7) and University of the East (1-8).
“Thank you to them. Thanks to their efforts that they just stuck to the game plan. This game plan or game guides, is a collective effort indeed. We really brainstormed and really took all of everyone’s ideas until we got the perfect guide,” said Ateneo head coach Vince Mangulabnan.
Batas finished with 24 points on 21 attacks, two aces and one block, alongside 15 excellent receptions and three digs.
Pacinio chipped in 18 points, Salazon had 11 points and 11 receptions, while Brian Castro had six points on four blocks and two attacks. Enzo Gutierrez distributed 23 excellent sets and four points, while Lance de Castro made 18 receptions.
Mark Leo Coguimbal led Adamson with 15 points on nine blocks, five attacks and one ace — the most blocks since teammate Richard Besorio produced nine in a five-set loss to University of the East on Feb. 21.
Maruel Iverson Tan contributed 14 points, Richard Besorio added 13 points and 13 receptions, while Andrew Tahiluddin and Lance Flestado chipped in eight and six points, respectively. (PNA)
