Eagles score a win vs. Adamson

The Ateneo men’s volleyball team has finally snapped out of their funk.

In their third elimination round game, the Eagles were all heart as they defeated the Adamson Falcons in four intense sets, Sunday morning at the San Juan Arena.

“May puso na yung laro,” said a beaming Ed Ortega, post-game.

After a devastating loss against NU, the win-hungry Ateneo squad pummled Adamson with ferocious attacks from JJ Sandoval, Mike de Joya, and Neil Flores in the first set.

According to team captain Ortega, better receives, blocks, and on-court communication made all the difference for Ateneo.

However, Adamson’s Ronjay Galang exploded in the second set to give the Falcons a fighting chance. Ateneo kept breathing down the Falcons’ necks and scored off big blocks by Mike de Joya to tie the set at 22. Adamson won the second set with Galang at the helm.

The Eagles started slow in the third set and trailed early on. Adamson relied on quick plays, but Ateneo’s defense caught up. The Eagles knotted the set at 20-all with a block that gave them momentum. Both teams rallied for the win but Duane Teves killed the ball at set point to put the Eagles a 2-1 edge.

Ateneo came out more aggressive in the fourth set. This hurt the Falcons, who started relying on Galang’s big plays. A powerful attack by JR Intal put the exclamation point on Ateneo’s first win in Season 73.

The Eagles will face Season 72 runner-up, FEU, on Sunday, 9AM at the San Juan Arena.