UAAP: Ateneo defeats NU to take Game 1 of men's volleyball finals 

 

Marck Espejo had 21 points, while Rex Intal delivered 13 as the Ateneo Blue Eagles defeated the NU Bulldogs in Game 1 of the best-of-three finals in the UAAP men's volleyball competition, held at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.

The Bulldogs took the opening set, before the Eagles went on to dominate the next three to earn the 23-25 25-20 25-17 25-18 victory.

Ateneo team captain Ysrael Marasigan also contributed 12, as Ateneo led NU in attack points, 55-45.

The Bulldogs, meanwhile, had four player spread the load evenly, with Ruben Baysac and Kim Malabunga tallying 13 markers each after combining for 22 kills. James Natividad and Madzlan Gampong, mean while added 12 apiece.

It is the third straight time that the defending champions are in the finals, winning Season 77 after defeating then two-time defending champions NU. — APG, GMA News