KENNEDY Batas of Ateneo de Manila University was named the Most Valuable Player of the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament, capping off a stellar campaign with his first individual collegiate award.
The awarding ceremony was held Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, prior to Game 2 of the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Finals between National University and Far Eastern University.
The 23-year-old outside hitter led a tightly contested MVP race with 79.815 statistical points (SP), edging out De La Salle University’s Noel Kampton (74.906 SP) and the University of Santo Tomas trio of JJ Macam (74.681 SP), two-time MVP Josh Ybañez (74.255 SP), and Popoy Colinares (71.064 SP).
Batas emerged as Ateneo’s third MVP in UAAP men’s volleyball history, following in the footsteps of AJ Pareja (Season 72) and five-time MVP Marck Espejo (Seasons 76–80).
“Sinabi ko nga kanina na credits lahat ito sa teammates ko and sa coaches ko. This is possible because of them naman. Siguro statement ito na may ibubuga pa ako next year. See you next season,” said Batas, a third-year spiker from Santiago, Isabela.
He finished second in scoring after the elimination round with 263 total points, ranked fourth in spiking with a 44.79% success rate, and was also fourth in service aces, averaging 0.30 per set. Defensively, he made his presence felt with a 50.56% reception efficiency (5th overall) and averaged 1.35 digs per set (8th overall).
Batas also added that he is honored to be the “next in line” after last season’s MVP and good friend, Josh Ybanez of UST.
“As I have said earlier, it’s another season of queen domination kasi lagi kami nagkikita nila Josh [Ybanez] na walang sinoman ang ibang makakakuha ng MVP kung hindi kami lang, kami lang na mga queens,” he expressed.
In addition to the MVP crown, Batas was named one of the Best Outside Spikers, amassing 289 ranking points.
Joining Batas in the spotlight is 19-year-old rookie JJ Macam of UST, who was awarded Rookie of the Year after placing third in the MVP race.
Macam tallied 146 points (15th in scoring) and ranked as the sixth-most efficient spiker with a 42.75% success rate. He also showcased his service game, finishing second in aces with an average of 0.36 per set.
His strong all-around performance earned him a spot as the other Best Outside Spiker with 259 RP.
Macam was also the 2nd Best Outside Spiker in the Season 85 Boys’ Volleyball Tournament.
Another breakout performer was UST’s Popoy Colinares, who clinched one of the Best Middle Blocker honors.
The 23-year-old third-year blocker ranked second in the league in blocking with 33 total blocks (0.70 per set) and was third in service aces with 17 (0.36 per set), earning him 227 RP.
Sharing the Best Middle Blocker award with Colinares was Adamson University’s Leo Coguimbal.
The 22-year-old junior also had a breakthrough season, leading the league in blocking with 46 total blocks (0.87 per set) and earning 182 RP.
Ateneo’s Amil Pacinio was named Best Opposite Spiker after a consistent campaign that saw him finish as the fifth-highest scorer with 198 points.
The third-year Blue Eagle also led the league in service aces with 22 (0.41 per set) and was eighth in spiking efficiency at 41.07%, earning him 224 RP.
UST’s Dux Yambao also earned his first collegiate award as Best Setter.
The 23-year-old third-year playmaker led the league in excellent sets with an average of 5.85 per frame, finishing with 180 RP.
Rounding out the individual honors was De La Salle University’s Menard Guerrero, who claimed his second straight Best Libero award.
The 23-year-old defensive specialist topped the reception department with a 58.16% efficiency and ranked fourth in digs with 2.32 per set.
The Golden Spikers were also awarded their bronze medals during the ceremony.
UST finished the elimination round at third place with a 9-5 record before bowing to National University in two games in the Final Four.