Ateneo has beaten Adamson in its last three meetings. Can the Blue Eagles continue to assert mastery over the Soaring Falcons in the UAAP men’s volleyball tournament?
Ateneo enters UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball with unfinished business.
After narrowly missing the Final Four last year with a 7–7 record, the Blue Eagles are determined to turn promise into payoff in facing the Adamson Soaring Falcons on Sunday, February 15, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Tip-off time is at 9:00 a.m., with the duel streaming on the Pilipinas Live app. It's also available on the UAAP Varsity Channel.
[RELATED: SCHEDULE | UAAP Season 88 volleyball guide, where to watch]
The heartbreak of Season 87 marked Ateneo’s third straight year without a semifinal appearance since making the playoffs in Season 81 — a drought that has only fueled the hunger inside Katipunan.
Leading the charge is reigning 1st Best Outside Spiker and MVP Kennedy Batas, whose scoring punch and leadership anchor Ateneo’s title aspirations.
[RELATED: Batas zeroes in on right mindset, attitude as Ateneo targets Final 4 in UAAP]
With reliable hitters Amil Paciono and Jian Salarzon back in the fold, the Blue Eagles boast a core that blends firepower and experience.
History also favors Ateneo, having won three of its last four meetings against Adamson.
(With reports from Pao Ambat)
[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy]