The Ateneo Blue Eagles made it back-to-back wins in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge after taking down reigning UAAP champion NU.
Ateneo de Manila University survived a tight battle and outlasted National University, 25-18, 25-23, 26-28, 25-21, for its second straight win in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Saturday at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila.
Amil Pacinio once again proved why he is one of the top collegiate opposite hitters in the country, exploding for 20 points to steer the Blue Eagles to a 2-2 record against the reigning UAAP champions.
The senior spiker came up big in the fourth set, delivering two of his three blocks by denying NU rookie Yuan Mendoza, before team captain Jian Salarzon took over with four straight points — a solo rejection on Jan Abanilla followed by three consecutive down-the-line kills — to finish the match in one hour and 49 minutes.
"Ako, hoping ako na sa pinakita naman nila ngayon tsaka nung last game, mukhang sinusunod naman na nila 'yung gameplan. May times pa rin talaga sila na — alam mo 'yung 'pag matagalan nagkakaroon ng sobrang pressure — naglalaro na lang nang sarili,” said Ateneo head coach Vince Mangulabnan.
“Pero, nire-remind ko pa rin sila. At thankful ako sa mga teammates nila na tinutulungan nila kong mag-remind. Hoping ako na mag-stick pa rin sa game plan namin from the start," he added.
The Blue Eagles opened the match strong, taking advantage of the Bulldogs’ early passing woes, with setter Ejira Taluban orchestrating well to set up timely attacks.
NU, however, found its groove in the second and third frames, with Jeffe Gallego taking over playmaking duties to change the tempo.
Mendoza, who subbed in for Mac Bandola, also gave the Bulldogs a spark that helped them turn the third set around.
But Pacinio and Salarzon showed poise down the stretch of the fourth set, ensuring Ateneo shut the door on any NU comeback hopes.
"Wala naman talagang leaders dito kasi may kanya-kanya tayong mga roles. Kung pumasok sa zone mo o responsaibility mo 'yung bola na 'yun, ikaw ang dapat mag-leade do'n sa situation na 'yon. Pero, siyempre mas maganda pa rin kasi merong tumutulong sa 'ming mga coaches," Mangulabnan added.
Julio Yu provided solid support with 11 points and five excellent receptions, while Salarzon finished with 10 markers — eight spikes and two blocks — including Ateneo’s last four points of the match.
Bandola paced the Bulldogs with 13 points in the three sets he played, while Abanilla chipped in 10. Mendoza ended with seven points and five digs in the loss.