Ateneo Beats La Salle in Straight Sets, Boosts Position in Final Four Race

Ateneo de Manila University rallied from a seven-point deficit in the second set to sweep their traditional rival De La Salle University, 25-22, 25-23, 25-22, securing valuable ground in the race for the final two spots in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Final Four on Saturday morning at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.

After falling behind 9-16 in the second set, the Blue Eagles mounted a commanding 16-7 comeback run, fueled by the efforts of Nigerian wing spiker Aimar Okeke, Jian Salarzon, and Amil Pacinio, to take a 2-0 set lead that De La Salle could not recover from.

With the win, Ateneo solidified its grip on fourth place with a 7-5 record, extending its lead to two games over fifth-place La Salle (5-7) as both teams head into their final two elimination matches.

Both teams will face the Red Warriors next, with Ateneo preparing for a tough battle against the league-leading Far Eastern University Tamaraws, while La Salle will close their eliminations against defending champions National University Bulldogs.

Ateneo is aiming to break a streak of three consecutive fifth-place finishes that began in Season 85.

“I’m so proud of the team, especially because we saw today how much they really wanted this win. La Salle always fights hard and gives their best, but I’m extremely proud because all our hard work after our last game paid off,” said Ateneo head coach Vince Mangulabnan.

After a slow start in the opening set, a block from Eugene Gloria helped the Green Spikers establish a 16-9 lead in the second. However, Ateneo responded with dominance, putting together a 16-7 run capped by a backrow hit from Salarzon and a down-the-line attack from Pacinio to take a commanding 2-0 lead.

In the third set, La Salle remained competitive, managing to tie the set at 19-all, but Ateneo pulled away with a decisive 4-1 run. This spurt included two attacks from Okeke, a quick hit from Rodge Alejos, and a point off the block by Salarzon, pushing Ateneo to a 23-20 lead.

La Salle attempted a late rally, with a crosscourt hit from Gloria and an attack error from Pacinio cutting the gap to 23-22, but Salarzon came through with a crucial attack, and a final miscue by La Salle’s Issa Ousseini sealed the victory for Ateneo in straight sets after 1 hour and 34 minutes.

Salarzon finished with a game-high 21 points, along with 18 excellent receptions and four excellent digs, while Pacinio added 13 points and four excellent digs.

Okeke contributed 12 points, eight attacks, and three blocks, alongside 11 excellent receptions and two excellent digs, while setter Enzo Gutierrez delivered 19 excellent sets and added two points. Libero Lance de Castro anchored Ateneo’s defense with 15 excellent digs and six excellent receptions.

The loss allowed the University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers to clinch the third Final Four spot, as they secured a win over the Adamson University Soaring Falcons later that day at 3 p.m.

Meanwhile, the defeat also mathematically eliminated the University of the Philippines from postseason contention, marking the seventh consecutive season they have missed the Final Four.

Yoyong Mendoza led La Salle with 13 points on 10 attacks and three blocks, while Gloria contributed 10 points, seven excellent digs, and five excellent receptions.

Chris Hernandez added eight points, six excellent receptions, and three excellent digs, while rookie libero Sherwin Retiro finished with 20 excellent receptions and eight excellent digs.