Ateneo takes Game 1 over rivals NU in men’s volley Finals

MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo Blue Eagles moved one win away from dethroning two-time defending champion NU Bulldogs with a 4-set triumph, 25-19, 30-28, 20-25, 25-22, to take Game 1 of the best-of-3 Finals series in the UAAP Season 77 men’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday, March 4 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Marck Espejo exploded for 31 points on 28 kills and a couple of service aces. The reigning MVP and Rookie of the Year also came up big defensively with 8 digs and 22 receptions.

Ysrael Marasigan was right behind him with 22 markers on 15 attacks.

The top-seeded Blue Eagles, which swept the Bulldogs in the eliminations, are in prime position to avenge last year’s Finals loss as Game 2 is set for Saturday, March 7.

It was nip-and-tuck affair between the two squads in Game 1, with set 2 going as far as 30 points.

But Ateneo prevailed on the powerful performance of Espejo. NU tried to force a deciding fifth set after extending the match to a fourth but was unable to control the pace of the game.

Jan Paglinawan topscored with 15 points on 12 kills.

Peter Torres and Edwin Tolentino added 14 and 11 points, respectively, for the Bulldogs, who earned their third straight Finals appearance, and second consecutive against the Blue Eagles, by toppling the twice-to-beat UST in the semis.

Ateneo, on the other hand, had a week long break after they easily dispatched Adamson. – Rappler.com