MANILA – Ateneo de Manila University began the second round of the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball with a dominant 25-16, 25-18, 25-21 victory over University of the Philippines (UP) at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Saturday.

Amil Pacinio Jr. led the Blue Eagles with 17 points, including three aces, powering them to their fifth win in eight matches.

Kennedy Batas chipped in 14 points and 10 receptions while Jian Salarzon added 10 points as Ateneo improved to third place behind Far Eastern University (7-0) and National University (6-1).

UP fell into a tie for fifth with the other match winner, Adamson University, at 2-6.

University of Santo Tomas and De La Salle University are tied for fourth with identical 4-3 records.

"I'm happy with what the team showed because in this second round, I said we reset because it wasn't like the first round where we didn't have a guide or anything to review or even the other teams," Ateneo coach Vince Mangulabnan after the one hour and 17-minute match.

Daniel Nicolas and Tommy Castrodes paced the Fighting Maroons with 10 points, followed by Olayemi Raheem with nine.

Adamson snapped a four-game losing streak by defeating the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, 25-21, 23-25, 20-25, 25-17, 15-12.

"Hopefully, this is the start. Every team adjusted. It went to the fifth set because UE also made adjustments. Hopefully, we can continue winning," Adamson coach Raffy Mosuela said.

Mark Leo Coguimbal led the Falcons with 17 points on 12 attacks and five blocks.

Jude Aguilar and Mark Paulino added 15 points each, while Dan Gutierrez and Ricardo Obeda Jr. contributed 14 and 12, respectively.

Axel Defeo delivered a game-high 22 points on 14 attacks and eight blocks for UE, while rookie Raquim Aceron posted 20 points and 23 receptions.

The Red Warriors remained winless in eight games. (PNA)