Following a shocking opening day loss to the FEU Tamaraws, the National University Bulldogs dominated the University of the East Red Warriors, 25-13, 25-18, 25-18, for their first win in the UAAP Season 81 Men’s Volleyball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Shackled by FEU last Saturday, the Bulldogs had no trouble tearing through the Red Warriors. The defending champs relied on Season 80 Finals MVP Bryan Bagunas, who uncorked 24 points on an efficient 22-for-36 attacking clip.
National U also limited their errors to 18, their lowest tally in three seasons, making way for a 46-25 attacking deficit.
Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin attributed their early struggle to integrating rookies in setter Joshua Retamar and Nico Almendras.
“‘Yung nangyari noong last game, nawala kami sa focus. Medyo nagka-problem kami sa setter kasi medyo nanibago siya and nawala sa tono ‘yung mga spiker,” said Alinsunurin.
“Pero nakaka-adhust naman na siya. Natututo na sila kasi alam nilang mga rookies na kailangan talaga sila ng team,” the enlisted Air Force personnel added.
Almendras managed 10 markers, while Retamar tossed 23 excellent sets.
Diminutive opposite hitter Clifford Inoferio contributed eight points for the Red Warriors, who broke a two-year long losing drought last Saturday.
Both teams play their next matches on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. NU (1-1) take on the De La Salle University (0-1), while UE (1-1) face the Adamson University (1-0).
The Scores
NU (3) – Bagunas 24, Almendras 10, Malabunga 7, Natividad 7, Saura 5, Retamar 4, Ancheta 0, Gampong 0, Marcos (L)
UE (0) – Inoferio 8, Alba 7, Josafat 7, Abalon 4, Bonoan 2, Ortega 2, Adriano 1, Ernacio 0, Medina (L), Solis (L)
