Eagles no longer blue with storied breakthru

MANILA, Philippines - The Ateneo men’s volleyball team broke out of the shadows of its more popular champion sisters by completing its own flight to history in UAAP Season 77.

Making the most out of their opportunity to finally strike gold, the Blue Eagles swooped down on holders National U Bulldogs, 23-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-15, to clinch the title that had eluded them ever since they joined the UAAP.

It was also Ateneo’s first men’s volleyball diadem since their triumphant drive way back 1976 in the NCAA under Pitong Custodio.

“I really believe that God is never early, he’s never late. A little patience, hard work and faith and it’s worth the wait,” said AdMU coach Oliver Almadro.

“We really worked hard for this, spent every drop of sweat and blood to achieve this,” he added.

MVP Marck Espejo, the phenomenal sophomore who punched in 33 points in the clincher, said their climb to the top was fuelled by their desire to make another go at the crown after  losing to the Bulldogs 0-2 in Season 76 finals.

“Actually, we just took a week off after that loss and started training for Season 77. We made a lot of sacrifices,” he said.

The championship came one year after their “training companions” – the Lady Eagles – gave Ateneo its maiden UAAP plum in the distaff side. Now, the Blue Eagles’ milestone triumph also opened the door for a double title should the Lady Eagles dispose of challenger La Salle in their coming showdown. Almadro said his counterpart over at the women’s team, Anusorn “Tai” Bundit, had been giving a helping hand, too – from technical inputs to meditation.

“Ever since coach Tai came in, he’s been giving me advice. Everytime sabay ang training tapos may nakita siya, sasabihin nya ops, ito ang gawin ninyo (Whenever he sees something during training, he’ll suggest some things). I’m happy nagtutulungan ang men’s at women’s team (we’re helping each other out), we’re family at Ateneo,” he said.