Ateneo's Jian Salarzon celebrates after scoring against UP. UAAP Media.
MANILA (UPDATED) -- The Ateneo Blue Eagles made quick work of the University of the Philippines, 25-18, 25-21, 25-19, to seize their third win of the UAAP Season 85 men's volleyball tournament, Sunday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Blue Eagles used their net defense to frustrate the Fighting Maroons, tallying 10 blocks en route to a 3-4 record at the end of the first round of the tournament. Ateneo also had a 44-33 advantage in attacks.
"Very happy and thankful na we were able to win our last game sa first round and hopefully we can bring this momentum to the second round," said Ateneo head coach Timmy Sto. Tomas.
Jian Salarzon starred for the Blue Eagles with 17 points on 14 kills and three rejections, while Abai Llenos had 15 points and Kennedy Batas scored 11, three of which came off blocks.
The Blue Eagles were under duress in the second set after UP came within two points, 23-21, off a Ranz Cajolo attack. But Salarzon was ready with the response, nailing back-to-back off-the-block hits to lift Ateneo to a 2-0 advantage.
They went on to cruise in Set 3 as UP's offense faltered. The Fighting Maroons gave away 20 points off their errors in the match.
No player reached double-digits for UP, with Cajolo coming off the bench for nine points while Rus Ijiran, Jessie Rubin, and Daniel Nicolas all had seven points apiece.
UP fell to 0-6 ahead of their final game of the first round against Adamson (0-6) on Wednesday.