National University finally got one in the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference.
The NU Bulldogs added the title to their impressive résumé after pulling off an even more convincing demolition of last year’s bronze medalists University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers in just a little more than an hour, 25-21, 25-18, 25-14.
Outside hitter Bryan Bagunas made sure that the crown would be heading to their side of Sampaloc after decimating the Tigers’ defense with 20 points, 18 coming from attacks along with two blocks. Fellow pin hitters Madz Gampong and Nico Almendras finished with 11 and 10 markers, respectively, to pace the new PVL champions.
For head coach Dante Alinsunurin, it was their first ball that brought out their A-game. “Medyo talagang lumamang na kami sa umpisa pa lang sa service receive namin, na-control na namin talaga kaya pumasok na rin ang blocking namin. Yunmg opensa namin tumaas na rin ang porsiyento. Kahit anong set ang ginagawa namin nakakapuntos kami,” he said.
However, beyond their offense, it was the determination from the Bulldogs that really showed in this game, as they proved once more that defense wins championships. NU plucked 15 blocks in this contest, with Almedras manning the net with a solid seven-rejection output. Gampong even added four to the total.
The blue-shirts also had a great showing on the floor, as they ended with 38 digs on 76 attempts, and their respectable 27-of-43 clip on reception made it easier for setter Kim Dayandante to set their attacks.
This rousing win was enough for the National U spikers to finally show that killer instinct that the coaching staff was looking for.
“Basta ever time na nag-eensayo kami at naglalaro, paulit-ulit ko lang na sinasabi sa kanila na ‘ito ang kailangan natin. Nandito na tayo hindi na dapat bumaba pa sa ibang team, dapat tayo ang hinahabol nila.”
Rookie Genesis Redido showed his wares after leading the Tiger Spikers with 11 markers.
Earlier in the day, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws ended their own series against the Adamson University Falcons in four sets, 25-21, 17-25, 30-28, 25-23, to win bronze.
JP Bugoan took charge for the last year’s runners-up with 22 points en route to taking the bronze this season.
The Scores
Bronze Medal:
FEU 3 – Bugaoan 22, Calado 12, Bautista 12, Quiel 9, Paler 9, De Asis 6, Silang 1, Suarez 1, Laganina 0, Lorenzo L, Barrica L.
AdU 1 – Pablico 28, Miranda 12, Labang 12, Alvarez 9, Jimenez 4, Alicando 3, Amburgo 0, Valdez 0, Nuguid 0, Pinar L, Florendo L.
Gold Medal:
NU 3 – Bagunas 20, Gampong 11, Almedras 10, Malabunga 8, Saura 3, Dayandante 1, Marcos L.
UST 0 – Redido 11, Umandal 10, Medina 9, Sumagaysay 5, Corda 3, Tajanlangit 1, Carodan 1, Casillan 0, Buro 0, Sawal L, Mendiolla L.
