Ateneo ends UST’s streak in men’s, Tigresses dominate in women’s
Ateneo de Manila University and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) split victories in the UAAP Season 87 volleyball tournament on Sunday, March 9, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, with the Blue Eagles stunning the Golden Spikers in the men’s division, while the Golden Tigresses swept Ateneo’s women’s volleyball team.
In the men’s match, Ateneo ended UST’s four-game winning streak with a 25-20, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21 victory, spoiling the return of two-time MVP Josh Ybañez.
The Blue Eagles pulled away late in the fourth set to secure the win, improving to a 3-2 record and tying De La Salle University in fourth place.
"Every team we face moving forward is a top team. All the teams in the UAAP are strong and capable of being champions," said Ateneo head coach Vince Mangulabnan.
"We have to prepare for them the same way every game—regardless of who they are or what their ranking is, even if they were to play at the world level. Our mindset should always be that we're facing a top-caliber opponent so that we don’t become complacent,” he added, emphasizing the importance of preparation moving forward.
Ken Batas led Ateneo with game-high 21 points while Amil Pacinio and Jian Salarzon provided support by putting up 17 and 12 markers, respectively.
