Ateneo de Manila University shook off a second-set stumble and pulled off a 25-20, 23-25, 26-24, 25-15 win over the College of Saint Benilde to climb back in the standings of the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.

The Blue Eagles bounced back from a narrow four-set loss to the Far Eastern University Tamaraws earlier in the week, relying on a dominant performance from Jian Salarzon to strengthen their hold on fourth place in the eight-team field.

Salarzon anchored Ateneo’s charge with 23 points built on 18 attacks, four blocks, and one ace, while also tallying 20 excellent receptions. His all-around brilliance lifted the Blue Eagles to a 3-2 record heading into a 12-day break.

Salarzon’s clutch play turns momentum in Ateneo’s favor

The turning point came in the third set when Ateneo rallied from a 22-24 deficit. Salarzon’s off-the-block hit and Alvin Sulayman’s attack error forced deuce before Salarzon came up with a crucial block on Reymark Betco, followed by Paul Jordan’s wide attempt to steal the frame 26-24.

That comeback gave Ateneo a 2-1 sets advantage and the momentum needed to close out the match. Karl Corregidor, Miguel Yu, Amil Pacinio, and Salarzon combined for early hits in the fourth set to establish a commanding lead that Benilde could not recover from.

Blue Eagles build momentum ahead of La Salle showdown

Pacinio chipped in 14 points, Yu contributed 13 markers with eight excellent receptions, while Rodge Alejos had six points, four of them on blocks. Setter Enzo Gutierrez dished out 23 excellent sets and added two points.

Head coach Vince Mangulaban credited Ateneo’s adherence to their game plan for the win, noting the team’s composure during critical stretches of the match.

Benilde, led by NCAA MVP Rocky Motol’s 18 points, 19 receptions, and eight digs, alongside Betco’s 16 points and Mike Balbacal’s 11, fell to 0-3. Despite their efforts, errors down the stretch sealed their fate.

The victory gives Ateneo momentum heading into their September 6 rivalry clash with unbeaten De La Salle University. Meanwhile, Saint Benilde will aim to end its three-game skid against Arellano University on August 30.

---