La Salle, Ateneo claim first win vs separate foes in UAAP men's volleyball opening day
At A Glance
- De La Salle escaped Adamson in straight sets while Ateneo turned back University in the East to claim their respective victories in the opening day of the UAAP Season 86 men's volleyball tournament on Saturday, Feb. 17, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
De La Salle escaped Adamson in straight sets while Ateneo turned back University in the East to claim their respective first victories in the opening day of the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament on Saturday, Feb. 17, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Green Spikers kicked off its campaign with a closely-fought 25-22, 25-23, 26-24 win over the Falcons, while the Blue Eagles began their redemption campaign with a 25-16, 22-25, 25-15, 25-14 triumph over the Warriors.
La Salle, who finished in the Final Four last season, banked on the all-around efforts of Noel Kampton and JM Ronquillo after the duo topscored with 19 and 18 points, respectively.
Despite winning the match in straight sets, the Green Spikers had to dig deep after trailing with Adamson for most of the game including in the third frame where it ended with Kampton’s crosscourt attack.
Meanwhile, Ateneo recovered from a second-set hiccup before breezing past the Red Warriors.
Ken Batas led the way for Ateneo with 22 points on 19 attacks, two blocks, and one ace while Matthew Salarzon delivered 15 points on 12 attacks, two blocks, and one ace to go along with 11 excellent receptions.