LIVE: UAAP Season 87 volleyball Finals Game 2 – May 14, 2025

MANILA, Philippines — After becoming the first Ateneo Blue Eagle to win the MVP since Marck Espejo in 2018, Ken Batas is eager to put his team on the pedestal next UAAP men’s volleyball season.

“This MVP is proof that our system really works. Even though we didn’t hit our goal this season, we know our team still has more potential. I believe we have a strong chance to bounce back next season,” said the newly-crowned Season 87 MVP Batas in Filipino on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

READ: UAAP: Ateneo’s Ken Batas wins MVP despite missing Final Four

Ken Batas and JJ Macam share their thoughts after winning awards. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/4k02dTpyce

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 14, 2025

Batas decided to return next season amid graduating with a course in Interdisciplinary Studies Tracks in Filipino Literature and Management Minor in Marketing and os determined to settle an unfinished business for Ateneo, which missed the Final Four for the third straight year with a 7-7 record.

“For me, the biggest motivation is really the UAAP. It’s been my dream, and I didn’t achieve it easily. That’s why I want to come back—I’m not done with the UAAP yet. I still have personal and team goals I want to reach,” he said.

The 23-year-old Batas stood out in the division with 79.81 Statistical Points, tallyiing the second-most points after the elimination round with 263 markers, while ranking fourth in spiking with a 44.79 percent success rate, fourth in aces with an average of 0.30 per set, fifth in reception with a 50.56 percent efficiency, and eighth in digging with 1.35 per set.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 volleyball Finals

Ken Batas on kween domination. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/b9scxIVfHC

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 14, 2025

Batas became just the third Blue Eagle to win the men’s MVP plum, joining five-time winner Marck Espejo and AJ Pareja.

“All credit goes to my teammates and coaches. This wouldn’t have been possible without them. I guess this is also my way of saying I still have more to offer next year,” said Batas. “I see this as a boost, a reminder that my journey isn’t over yet. I still need to work hard. I think this also serves as inspiration for our team. If I could do it, then they can, too.”

“It’s another season of queen domination! Josh [Ybanez] and I always joke that no one else is taking that MVP unless it’s one of us queens. It’s just us out here owning it,” he added.