Ateneo flexed its might and made quick work of University of the Philippines, 25-16, 25-18, 25-21, for its first back-to-back wins in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament Saturday, March 22, at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Boosted by their three-set dominance over University of the East, the Blue Eagles immediately made their presence felt in their “Battle of Katipunan” showdown by torching the Maroons from start to finish and improving their record to 5-3 for third spot. The State U fell to 2-6 at seventh place.

“Masaya ako sa pinakita ng team kasi itong second round sabi ko nag reset na kami kasi hindi siya like nung first round na wala kaming guide,” said Ateneo head coach Vince Mangulabnan.

"Itong second round, mababago lahat kasi nagmeet na nung first round, ito na yung time parang basahan talaga ng laro," added Ken Batas.

Amilio Pacinio Jr. and Batas paced the Eagles with 17 and 14 points, respectively. Jian Salarzon also finished with a double-digit effort of 10. 

Daniel Nicolas, Tommy Castrodes, and Raheem Olayemi conspired for 29 points which all went down the drain for the Maroons.

Meanwhile, Adamson had a timely recovery and frustrated University of the East with a hard-fought 25-21, 23-25, 20-25, 25-17, 15-12 victory.

After a strong start, the Falcons stumbled in the next two sets but managed to regain their rhythm and eventually take the match and kept the Red Warriors winless this season.

Dan Guttierez came out big after listing 14 points on 13 attacks and one block along with four excellent digs and seven excellent receptions. Mark Leo Coguimbal and Jude Aguilar added 17 and 15 for Adamson, which notched its second win against six defeats and tied with UP.

“Hopefully, sana ito na ‘yung start. Every team naman kasi nag-adjust kaya nag fifth set it’s because may adjustments din ang UE. Sana mag-continue lang itong pagpapanalo namin,” said Adamson coach Raffy Mosuela.

Axel Defeo and Raquim Aceron combined for 42 points in a losing cause as UE sustained its eighth loss in as many outings.