Ateneo bounces back with straight-set win over Letran

Ateneo de Manila University split its opening weekend assignments in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge men's division, finishing with a 25-17, 25-23, 25-21 sweep of debuting Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Sunday at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center.

Missing from Saturday’s game against the University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers—which the Blue Eagles lost in three sets—opposite hitter Amil Pacinio led his squad to a 1-1 win-loss record in this preseason tournament, scoring a game-high 19 points, including two clutch points to close out the match.

With the third and final set tied at 19, Ateneo went on a 6-2 run. Setter Eijra Taluban finished a 1-2 play to put Ateneo up 23-20, then found Pacinio for the kill that gave the Blue Eagles match point.

Pacinio then denied Lorenz Vicente to finish a masterful game in his season debut.

Pacinio’s contribution came from offense with 14 attacks, along with five blocks and six excellent digs on defense.

Meanwhile, team captain Jian Salarzon added 12 points on nine spikes, one block, and two aces.

“Yung nakuha lang namin from that short span of time is 'yung mga bata is sumunod lang sa game plan na binigay ng mga coaches. Kasi ni-reiterate ko lang sa kanila yesterday na, sabi ko, walang nasunod sa game plan,” said head coach Vince Mangulabnan.

"Siguro may nasunod, pero mga 30 percent lang. At least ngayon, somehow, pero siyempre may mga iilan na hindi pa sila gano'n ka-comfortable na may game plan at may specific instructions. Pero ngayon, good naman kasi at least sinunod na nila 'yung game plan."

Letran recovered from a slow start in the first set to make the next two sets more competitive, with Vicente and Max Lopez leading their charge.

The Knights also capitalized on the Blue Eagles’ miscues—most of the squad’s 26 errors—which kept the match close.

However, when Ateneo executed better defense, it translated into a strong offensive rhythm, finishing with 41 attacks compared to Letran’s 30.

The Blue Eagles also dominated at the net, with an 11-2 advantage in blocks.

Vicente and Lopez each scored six points for Letran.