National University’s Bryan Bagunas and James Natividad were the only team left with a perfect record after the second day of the UAAP Season 80 Beach Volleyball Tournament at Sands SM by the Bay.
The pair from NU claimed a dramatic victory over old rivals University of Santo Tomas’ Kris Roy Guzman and Anthony Arbasto 21-19, 13-21, 18-16 in the evening.
National U was down 11-14 in the deciding set, clawing their way back with heady defensive plays.
“Talagang tiniyaga na lang po namin talaga. Hangga’t di pa po sila naka-15, di pa naman tapos ‘yung laban. Hindi lang talaga kami sumuko,” said NU’s Bagunas who made critical stops and the net and on the floor to secure the win.
“Maganda po talaga para sa amin ‘yung panalo pero mahaba pa po ‘yung tournament. Marami pa kaming makakalaban at kailangan trabahuhin,” he added.
Earlier in the day, the Bulldogs washed University of the East’s Aljen Aljas and Clifford Inoferio 21-14, 22-20, earning a 3-0 record.
The Tigers also made quick work of their first opponents in Adamson University’s Pao Pablico and JP Yude, 21-14, 21-12, for a 2-1 card.
Far Eastern University’s Jude Garcia and Richard Solis also had a productive day, slipping past Ateneo de Manila University’s Karl Baysa and Marck Espejo, 21-9, 15-21, 15-12, in the afternoon then slamming University of the Philippines’ Wendel Miguel and Niccolo Consuelo, 21-17, 21-17, to head into Day Three with a 2-1 slate.
The Blue Eagles finished their day with a midnight triumph over De La Salle University’s Carlo Sendo and Wayne Marco, 21-13, 22-20, to keep pace of a Final Four spot.
UAAP Season 80 Men’s Beach Volleyball Standings
October 6, 2017 – SM Sands by the Bay, Pasay City
NU 3-0
ADMU 2-1
FEU 2-1
UST 2-1
AdU 1-2
DLSU 1-2
UP 1-2
UE 0-3