Ateneo overpowers NCBA, nears Spikers Turf finals

MANILA, Philippines -- Ateneo overpowered a fatigued National Colleges of Business and Arts, 25-9, 25-22, 25-19, Monday to move one step away from advancing to the finals of the Spikers Turf Season 1-Collegiate Conference at The Arena in San Juan City.

UAAP MVP Marck Jesus Espejo and Rex Intal took turns and finished with 13 hits apiece while Joshua Alexis Miguel Villanueva and Ysrael Marasigan scattered 12 and 10, respectively, to help the Eagles gain a 1-0 edge over the Wildcats in their best-of-three semis duel.

The Loyola-based spikers go for the jugular and a spot to the best-of-three finals at 3 p.m. on Wednesday. 

A decider, if necessary, is on Sunday.

"We just played more aggressive," said Ateneo coach Oliver Almandro.

It didn't help that the Ernesto Balubar-mentored Wildcats came in a little fatigued following a 30-28, 31-29, 25-21 victory over the La Salle Archers in their sudden death match two days before.

No NCBA player, in fact, made the double-digit scoring mark with guest player Edwin Tolentino and Ralph Jonel Oclima leading the way with eight each.

Balubar though did not wat to use it as an excuse.

"Ateneo played better than us, it's as simple as that," he said.