Ateneo Blue Eagles win first UAAP men's volleyball match

The Ateneo Blue Eagles secured their first win of the UAAP Season 86 men's volleyball tournament with a four-set victory over the UE Red Warriors on Saturday morning at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Kennedy Batas was the standout player for Ateneo, scoring 22 points and leading the team with his relentless attacks, including 19 successful attacks, two blocks, and an ace.

Despite splitting the first two sets, Ateneo dominated in the third and fourth sets to secure a decisive win after overcoming early resistance from UE.

Jian Salarzon contributed 15 points while Nigerian star Aimar Okeke added 11 crucial points for the Blue Eagles, both tallying five digs each.

UE's Joshua Pozas was their top scorer with 13 points but could not prevent the loss.

Next, Ateneo will face defending champions National University on February 24 at the Mall of Asia Arena, while UE takes on UST in a match scheduled for February 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.