Right before their highly-anticipated Finals rematch with the Ateneo Blue Eagles, the National University Bulldogs quickly took care of the hapless University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 25-19, 25-17, 25-15, in the UAAP Season 81 Men’s Volleyball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Bulldogs faced no problems, building big early leads in each of the three sets. NU piled up seven aces to UP’s one, and 44 attacks to UP’s 25.
NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin lauded his team’s consistency through the three-set affair.
“Maganda kasi hindi sila tumigil kanina. Sunod-sunod lang sila sa paggalaw sa court,” said Alinsunurin.
“Kailangan namin na ganito lang ‘yung focus at effort namin as magtuloy-tuloy ang season,” the national team mentor added.
Bryan Bagunas topped the Bulldogs with 17 points on 14-for-26 attacking. Captain Francis Saura and rookie Nico Almendras provided 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Mark Millete led UP with 12 points, while Jerry San Pedro managed 11.
NU (5-1) next take on Ateneo (4-2) in a rematch of the Season 80 Finals on Saturday. On the other hand, UP (0-6) will try to get their first win to end the first round against the Adamson University Falcons (3-3) on Sunday. Both matches will be played at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
NU (3) – Bagunas 17, Saura 12, Almendras 11, Natividad 8, Malabunga 6, Gampong 3, Retamar 2, Mondero 1, Ancheta 0, Marcos (L)
UP (0) – Millete 12, San Pedro 11, San Pascual 3, Iliran 2, Baldelovar 1, Fortes 1, Consuelo 0, Nasol 0, Madrigalejos (L)
