Ateneo de Manila University averted a meltdown and denied Far Eastern University another comeback with a significant five-set win: 25-22, 25-23, 18-25, 23-25, 15-13, in the 2023 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Sunday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Tied at six in the deciding set, the Blue Eagles flipped the switch with a 4-0 run, with Jian Salarzon providing the finishing kick for the squad's third consecutive win to take solo lead in this tournament backed by Bola.TV, Beyond Active Wear, Asics and Mikasa.
"Nagkaroon sila ng confidence na mag-serve nang malakas kasi nakikita nila na 'yung kalaban medyo naging erratic na rin 'yung receives nila. Nung nakita nila 'yon, nag-capitalize sila," head coach Timothy Sto. Tomas said of what changed in that end game.
Salarzon found his mark in the clutch with four of his 22 points, but it was Ken Batas who remained solid throughout the match with 21 points, effectively stifling FEU's momentum.
Dryx Saavedra was the Tamaraws' response to Batas with 21 points, all of which came from attacks. Meanwhile, Andrei Delicana contributed nine markers off the bench.
