Ateneo de Manila University’s Kennedy Batas (right) against Adamson University’s Jims Raveb Ducusin and Mark Leo Coguimbal in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Wednesday (March 25, 2026). Batas finished with 24 points on 21 attacks, two aces, and one block, alongside 15 excellent receptions and three digs. (UAAP photo)
Ateneo de Manila University strengthened its Final Four bid after turning back Adamson University, 25-19, 25-27, 25-22, 25-20, on Wednesday in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Behind another commanding performance from reigning Season 87 MVP Kennedy Batas, along with key contributions from Amil Pacinio and Jian Salazon, the Blue Eagles notched their third straight victory and climbed to solo fourth place with a 5-4 record.
Earlier in the day, University of Santo Tomas snapped De La Salle University’s four-game winning streak, 25-18, 30-28, 25-23, to stay at third place with a 6-3 slate, trailing league-leading Far Eastern University at 8-1 and National University at 7-2.
La Salle dropped to fifth at 4-5, followed by University of the Philippines at 3-6, Adamson at 2-7, and University of the East at 1-8.
Ateneo head coach Vince Mangulabnan credited the team’s discipline and collective preparation for the crucial win.
“I’m thankful to the players because they stayed committed to the game plan,” Mangulabnan said. “That guide was really a collective effort. We brainstormed, listened to everyone’s ideas, and came up with the best approach for this match.”
Batas once again led the charge with 24 points built on 21 attacks, two aces, and one block, while also delivering 15 excellent receptions and three digs. Pacinio backed him up with 18 points, while Salazon added 11 points and 11 receptions.
Brian Castro chipped in six points, highlighted by four blocks, while playmaker Enzo Gutierrez orchestrated the offense with 23 excellent sets and four points. Lance de Castro also anchored the floor defense with 18 receptions.
Adamson, meanwhile, drew a strong effort from Mark Leo Coguimbal, who finished with 15 points on nine blocks, five attacks, and one ace. His nine-block outing was the highest by a Soaring Falcon since teammate Richard Besorio also tallied nine in a five-set loss to University of the East last February 21.
Maruel Iverson Tan added 14 points for Adamson, while Besorio contributed 13 points and 13 receptions. Andrew Tahiluddin and Lance Flestado chipped in eight and six points, respectively.
With momentum now clearly on its side, Ateneo heads deeper into the second round carrying both confidence and control of its Final Four fate.