Ateneo mows down EAC to launch title drive

Ateneo adhered to the plan with determination and focus, disposing of Emilio Aguinaldo College, 25-13, 25-23, 25-22, to launch its 2024 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge campaign at the Paco Arena Sunday night. 

Chidiebere Okeke spearheaded the Blue Eagles’ charge with 17 points, built on 11 attacks, four aces and two blocks, adding six excellent digs. Key holdovers Jian Salarzon and Kennedy Batas also contributed with nine and eight markers, respectively.

“Sumunod lang naman yung mga players sa new system. Wala ako masyado ini-expect kasi alam ko sa game na ito, magkakaroon kami ng maraming unforced errors, pero dahil sumusunod lang sila talaga sa gusto ko mangyari,” said Ateneo interim head coach Vince Mangulabnan. 

Ateneo maintained its dominance through the third set with Jeric Sendron sealing the victory with a block.

The Generals showed resilience in the second frame, battling back from as many as seven points down (9-16) and wresting the lead at 19-18. But the Blue Eagles countered with a 7-4 run, capped by Okeke’s down-the-line attack, gaining a commanding 2-0 set lead.

The Blue Eagles asserted their superiority early on, storming to a 20-9 bulge, which served as a springboard for their title campaign.

Ateneo also capitalized on EAC’s 11 errors in the opening set and exploited their rivals’ shaky service reception, netting four aces.

“Sobrang dami pa namin kailangan iimprove, lalo na short pa lang yung naging training namin. Kailangan pa namin siya i-polish pa and since marami pang lapses, ‘yon pa kailangan namin ipolish pa,” added Mangluabnan. 

Jan Abor paced EAC with 16 points, including 12 attacks and four blocks, while Frelwin Taculog added 10 markers.

The Blue Eagles will next take on the Far Eastern University Tams, while the Generals will tangle with the UAAP defending champions National University, both on Aug. 4.