Ateneo Defeats UP, Moves into Solo Fourth Place

Amil Pacinio came through in the clutch as Ateneo de Manila University edged University of the Philippines, 25-23, 22-25, 23-25, 25-18, 15-7, in a thrilling match of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

The Season 87 Best Opposite Spiker took over in the fifth set, scoring six points during the Blue Eagles' dominant 10-3 run to start the decider. Ateneo, trailing 1-2 in sets, mounted a comeback to secure a vital win, keeping their Final Four aspirations intact.

With the victory, Ateneo temporarily climbed to solo fourth place with a 6-5 record, ahead of a crucial showdown against De La Salle University this Saturday, April 11, at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.

Meanwhile, De La Salle follows closely behind at 5-5, preparing for their ongoing match against league-leader Far Eastern University.

Ateneo also overcame a 13-18 deficit in the first set, showing resilience throughout. “We always remind them that their grit is always there, but we had to shake them up in the beginning and make them realize they’re the better players on the court. They just needed to remember what they had prepared for,” said Blue Eagles assistant coach Tomie Rivera.

After UP took the second and third sets, Ateneo answered back with a strong fourth set, fueled by key attacks from Nigerian wing spiker Aimar Okeke, Enzo Gutierrez, and rookie middle blocker Rodge Alejos.

Pacinio was the standout in the fifth set, opening the decider with six crucial points. His powerful crosscourt hits helped Ateneo establish a commanding 10-3 lead. Although UP managed to close the gap to 11-7, Pacinio finished strong with an off-speed hit and a block. Okeke then added a crosscourt kill, and Eijra Taluban sealed the win with a game-winning ace, closing the thrilling five-set match in 2 hours and 8 minutes.

“I had it in my heart and mind that it was now or never. It might be my last season, so I had to give my all and show the team that we can do it,” Pacinio said. He finished with 25 points, including 20 attacks, three blocks, and two aces, along with six excellent digs.

Okeke chipped in with 16 points on 15 attacks, 10 excellent receptions, and three excellent digs. Team captain Jian Salarzon contributed 13 points on 12 attacks, 15 excellent receptions, and eight excellent digs. Alejos added nine points, while Julio Yu tallied eight points and 12 excellent receptions.

Gutierrez fought through cramps to deliver 19 excellent sets and four points, while Lance de Castro had 14 excellent receptions and 13 excellent digs.

For UP, the loss dropped them to 3-8, leaving no margin for error in their final three games as they try to end a six-season Final Four drought.

Raheem led the Fighting Maroons with a game-high 28 points on 27 attacks and seven excellent digs. Tommy Castrodes contributed 15 points, 16 excellent receptions, and five excellent digs, while Angelo Lipata finished with nine points, 16 excellent receptions, and five excellent digs. Milven Francisco added seven points.

UP will next face FEU on Sunday, April 12, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.