Ateneo claims back-to-back championship in men’s volleyball

MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo De Manila University defeated National University in straight sets in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 78 men’s volleyball finals, 25-16, 25-20, 25-19, to win the league title on Wednesday, April 27, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Blue Eagles skipper Ysrael Marasigan was named finals MVP and led the scoring for the Blue and White after scattering 12 points built off 11 attacks and an ace, while season MVP Marck Jesus Espejo and Joshua Villanueva chipped in 11 markers each.

Ateneo dominated NU from start to finish to seal their second straight championship title.

“Sobrang happy kami. Pero kakaiba yung feeling kasi we have to defend the title. So hindi namin alam kung map-pressure ba kami, mach-challenge, kung magre-relax o ano,” said Ateneo Head Coach Oliver Almadro on their mindset coming into the game and their reaction on defending the title.

(We are really happy but the feeling was different because we had to defend the title. We didn’t know if we’ll be pressured, challenged, or if we’ll relax.)

It was Ateneo’s third straight year to face NU in the finals round in the men’s volleyball tourney. National U took home the title in the first year while Ateneo is now the two-time defending champion.

“Nung game 1, defense naming ang key. Today, offense namin ang nag trabaho. I guess yung players ko ay confident coming into this game,” Almadro added.

(Defense was our key in game 1. Today, it’s our offense that worked for us. My players really came into this game confident.)

The champions team outscored NU in the attacks battle with 26 kills compared to the latter’s 20.
On the other hand, no one from the National U finished with double digits.

James Natividad of the Bulldogs was limited to a measley 8 points while Francis Saura and Bryan Bagunas combined for 12 markers. – Rappler.com