Ateneo de Manila University overcame a second-set hiccup to keep the College of Saint Benilde winless, 25-20, 23-25, 26-24, 25-15, returning to the win column of the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Sunday afternoon at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.
The Blue Eagles quickly bounced back from a narrow four-set defeat to the Far Eastern University Tamaraws last Tuesday, relying on the firepower of Jian Salarzon to strengthen their hold on fourth place in the eight-team tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Salarzon delivered a standout performance with 23 points on 18 attacks, four blocks, and one ace, along with 20 excellent receptions, as Ateneo improved to a 3-2 win-loss record ahead of a 12-day break from V-League action.
“Sumunod lang talaga sila sa game plan. At tsaka yung kalaban naman is malakas talaga. Yung second set nga and yung shakiness nung third, napasabay nila yung mga bata sa gusto nila mangyari. ‘Yon yung napigilan namin ng mga coaches na huwag natin sila hayaan mag-dictate nung flow ng laro,” said Blue Eagles head coach Vince Mangulaban.
Ateneo’s biggest play of the match came in the third set, when the Blue Eagles overcame a slow start to rally from a 22-24 deficit. An off-the-block hit by Salarzon and an attack error from Alvin Sulayman tied the set at 24-all before a clutch block by Salarzon on Reymark Betco and Paul Jordan’s wide attack sealed the frame, giving Ateneo a crucial 2-1 sets advantage.
That third-set comeback proved pivotal, as the Blue Eagles carried their momentum into the fourth, relying on early hits from Karl Corregidor, Miguel Yu, Amil Pacinio, and Salarzon to build a comfortable six-point lead at 17-11.
Benilde never recovered from Ateneo’s fourth-set surge. An attack error by reigning NCAA MVP Rocky Motol, a block by Rodge Alejos on Mike Balbacal, and a service miscue by Balbacal allowed the Blue Eagles to secure a 3-1 victory in one hour and 45 minutes.
Pacinio contributed 14 points on 13 attacks, while Yu added 13 points and eight excellent receptions. Alejos delivered timely hits in the fourth set, finishing with six points on four blocks and two attacks, and Enzo Gutierrez orchestrated the offense with 23 excellent sets and two points.
The win gives Ateneo significant momentum ahead of a rivalry showdown against still-unbeaten De La Salle University on Saturday, September 6.
Motol led the charge for Benilde with 18 points, 19 excellent receptions, and eight excellent digs, while Betco added 16 points on 14 attacks and two blocks. However, their combined efforts were not enough as the Blazers remained winless through three outings. Balbacal chipped in 11 points in the losing effort.
Benilde will aim to snap a three-game skid when it faces NCAA title contender Arellano University this Saturday, August 30.
