Ateneo de Manila U likewise moved into a share of the lead with Perpetual Help in their side of the battle, bucking a slow start and then fending off San Beda U’s gritty stand in the third to carve out a 25-18, 25-17, 25-21 victory in the 2023 V-League Men's Collegiate Challenge on Wednesday at Paco Arena.
Outside hitter Amil Pacinio poured in the bulk of his 15-point output in the tight last set before Jet Gopio took over in the clutch to complete the straight-set romp following a four-set victory over the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals last Sunday.
"We have to work on our reception pa, medyo nag-aalangan pa kami doon. Kasi yun ang una mong gagawin coming off a point so kailangang mabilis lang bumalik sa focus," said Ateneo head coach Timothy Sto. Tomas.
"I'm blessed with talented setters and hitters, so we need to capitalize on that, kaya kailangan namin nang maayos na receive," he added.
Jian Salarzon blasted in 10 attack points and finished with 11 markers while Kennedy Batas put in a 10-hit game, including a crucial block in the third as Ateneo matched Perpetual Help’s 2-0 slate.
Kevin Montemayor fired 10 points on eight kills and two aces while Andrei Bakil scored seven points for San Beda, which also lost to Perpetual Help last Friday.
