Ateneo leaned on its defense and team chemistry as it dispatched San Sebastian College, 25-17, 25-20, 25-17, to notch its second straight win in the 2022 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena in Manila on Friday.
Amil Pacinio unloaded 15 points off 10 attacks, capped by the match-clinching hit. He also made three aces and two blocks while Kennedy Batas hammered out a 10-attack game for an 11-point output as the Blue Eagles took the provisional lead with four other matches on tap in another busy day in the league where it all started.
The Stags absorbed their second straight defeat following a four-set setback to the UP Maroons last Oct. 16.
"I'm happy that we were able to minimize our errors," said Ateneo coach Timmy Sto. Tomas. "Since naka-serve kami ng maayos, we were able to organize our blocking at medyo nahirapan yung kalaban umatake."
Team captain and libero Lance De Castro anchored Ateneo's transition plays as he produced 13 excellent receptions and four excellent digs, making things a lot easier for setter James Licauco to orchestrate their attacks.
Ateneo shoots for a third win in row against University of the Philippines on Oct. 30 at 3 p.m.
Kyle Villamor paced San Sebastian with 11 points on nine attacks, one block and an ace, while opposite hitter Joshua Espenida was held to just four points.
The Stags, meanwhile, try to stop their skid when they face the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas, also on Oct. 30, at 10 a.m. still at the Paco Arena.
