Ateneo de Manila University split its opening weekend assignments in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge men’s division, earning a 25-17, 25-23, 25-21 sweep of debuting Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Sunday, August 10, at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center.

After missing Saturday’s straight-sets loss to the University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers, opposite hitter Amil Pacinio delivered a dominant season debut to lead the Blue Eagles to a 1-1 record in the preseason tournament. He finished with a game-high 19 points, including two clutch plays to close out the match.

With the third set tied at 19, Ateneo went on a 6-2 run. Setter Eijra Taluban capped a 1-2 play for a 23-20 lead before finding Pacinio for the kill that put the Blue Eagles at match point. Pacinio then sealed the win by blocking Lorenz Vicente. His performance included 14 attacks, five blocks, and six excellent digs, while team captain Jian Salarzon contributed 12 points on nine spikes, one block, and two aces.

Executing the game plan

Head coach Vince Mangulabnan credited the victory to improved execution compared to their first outing. “At least ngayon, somehow, sinunod na nila ‘yung game plan,” said Mangulabnan, noting that in the previous match, only about 30 percent of the plan was followed.

Letran, led by Vicente and Max Lopez, recovered from a slow first set to push Ateneo in the next two frames. The Knights also took advantage of the Blue Eagles’ 26 errors to keep the match close.

Ateneo’s superior defense proved decisive, turning stops into offensive momentum. The Blue Eagles outgunned Letran 41-30 in attacks and held an 11-2 advantage in blocks. Vicente and Lopez each scored six points for the Knights.