Ateneo hopes to build on its Season 88 breakthrough when the Blue Eagles face the UST Golden Spikers in this UAAP Season 88 men's volleyball first-round meeting.
Ateneo aims for solo third in the team standings as the Blue Eagles challenge the UST Golden Spikers in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday, February 25, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Match time is at 9:00 a.m., with the match available live on the Pilipinas Live app. It will also be aired on the UAAP Varsity Channel.
[RELATED: SCHEDULE | UAAP Season 88 volleyball guide, where to watch]
The Blue Eagles enter the contest riding the momentum of a confidence-boosting win over Katipunan rivals UP Fighting Maroons.
After absorbing a season-opening setback to Adamson, Ateneo steadied itself and claimed a 21-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-18 victory to enter the win column.
[RELATED: Ateneo overcomes Raheem's 30 to beat UP and log first win of UAAP Season 88]
Jian Salarzon led Ateneo with 19 points, sparking the Blue Eagles after they dropped the opening set.
Setter Enzo Gutierrez earned Player of the Game honors, delivering 19 excellent sets and contributing six points, including four aces.
Reigning MVP Kennedy Batas, still easing back from a knee injury, added 12 points, while Amil Pacinio chipped in 13 and Aimar Okeke contributed 11, highlighting a balanced Ateneo attack.
UST, fresh off its own breakthrough win over La Salle, presents a formidable challenge.
The two squads have been evenly matched in recent seasons, splitting their last six meetings dating back to Season 85.
(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.]