Ateneo de Manila University bounced back with a sweep of winless Arellano University, 26-24, 25-18, 25-22, to solidify its hold on solo fourth place in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Sunday afternoon at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.
After absorbing a narrow four-set loss to rival DLSU Green Spikers the previous day, the Blue Eagles found timely relief from team captain Jian Salarzon and Amil Pacinio to reignite their semifinal bid in the eight-team tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Salarzon led the way with 14 points built on 10 attacks, three blocks, and one ace, while also tallying 11 excellent receptions and four excellent digs. Pacinio added 12 points on 11 attacks and one block as Ateneo wrapped up the preliminary round with a 4-3 win-loss card to stay at fourth place.
In the process, the Blue Eagles eliminated defending UAAP champion NU Bulldogs from semifinal contention. Ateneo climbed to 12 points, while NU—stuck at four points with a 2-3 record—can only reach a maximum of 10 points.
“Sinabi ko lang na okay na ba tayo sa pagkatalo natin? Wala na ba tayo ibang gagawin? Pinaisip ko lang sila kung ano ba dapat yung kailangan gawin na response coming from a loss. Nag-respond naman sila,” said Blue Eagles head coach Vince Mangulabnan.
In the third set, Ateneo leaned on an offspeed hit from Pacinio and back-to-back blocks from UST high school product Pao Medino to stretch a slim 16-12 edge into a 19-13 cushion.
Arellano kept within striking distance at 21-19, but a rejection by Brian Castro, a Salarzon crosscourt smash, and a Pacinio down-the-line attack sealed the sweep in just 79 minutes.
The Blue Eagles also controlled the second frame after racing to an early 11-7 lead. A Pacinio crosscourt kill, an Arellano net violation, and another Medino crosscourt hit pushed Ateneo to a commanding two-set advantage.
Alejos chipped in seven points on five attacks and two blocks, while Enzo Gutierrez tallied 15 excellent sets.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs—the reigning NCAA champions—failed to salvage a win in the tournament, bowing out with a 0-7 record while managing to take only four sets throughout the eliminations.
Arman Gunito top-scored for Arellano with 15 points on 14 attacks and one block, alongside six excellent receptions and four excellent digs. Jiwen Sinuto added nine markers in the losing cause.
