Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University concluded its campaign in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament with a 18-25, 22-25, 26-24, 25-22, 15-12 victory against the University of the East at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Blue Eagles secured a fifth-place finish for the third consecutive season, ending with a 7-7 record. Amil Pacinio Jr. led Ateneo with 18 points, while Kennedy Batas added 17 points, 19 receptions, and six digs. The team successfully rallied from a 12-16 deficit to win the third set and maintained their momentum throughout the match, which lasted two hours and 15 minutes.
Jian Matthew Salarzon significantly contributed with 16 points and 23 receptions, and Jettlee Gopio added 11 points, including four blocks. Peter Torres, deputy to Ateneo head coach Vince Mangulabnan, expressed optimism about the team’s future, noting the promising performance under the new coaching system.
In his final game, team captain-libero Lance Andrei De Castro recorded 13 digs and 12 receptions. Despite a strong effort, rookies Roy Piojo and Raquim Aceron led winless UE with 22 and 19 points, respectively.
