Sporting most of their UAAP Season 78-runner-up squad, the National University Bulldogs crushed rivals Far Eastern University Tamaraws 25-23, 25-23, 25-22, in their first match of the Spikers’ Turf Collegiate Conference at the PhilSports Arena.
National U, who lost just one player after UAAP 78, re-added open hitter Fauzi Ismail, who missed last season due to academic deficiencies. The Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Finals MVP tallied seven points in his first game back in an NU uniform while towering Bryan Bagunas soared for a game-high 12 points and middle hitter Francis Saura added 10 markers.
“Importante na maganda agad ang ilaro ng team para makakuha agad ng momentum,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
NU built early leads in each set and managed to protect the advantage against late FEU rallies. The Bulldogs built a 16-11 lead in the first set then a 18-14 advantage in the second frame. The third set was much tighter with NU only able to pull away with a late 4-0 flourish that gave them a 22-18 gap.
For Alinsunurin, this conference is pivotal in building the confidence of setter Kim Dayandante who will fill the shoes of decorated playmaker Vince Mangulabnan.
“Malaking bagay na ngayon pa lang mahasa na namin si Kim (Dayandante) bago mag-UAAP para makita namin ‘yung mga kulang pa sa kanya,” Alinsunurin added.
Sophomore Jude Garcia towed the FEU offense with 10 points while Richard Solis added six markers. The Tamaraws had a tough time involving middle hitter Spikers’ Turf Open Conference MVP Greg Dolor in their offense as they had no reception. Dolor finished with just three markers.
NU (A, 1-0) next takes on the Philippine Marine Merchant School on August 8 at the PhilSports Arena. FEU (A, 0-1) tries to bounce back against the College of Saint Benilde Blazers (A, 0-1) on August 10 also at the PhilSports Arena.
The Scores
NU (3) – Bagunas 12, Saura 10, Gampong 9, Malabunga 8, Ismail 7, Dayandante 5, Natividad 2, Ancheya 0, Ogoc 0, Marcos (L), Opp error 22.
FEU (0) – Garcia 10, Solis 6, Cayaban 4, Bugaoan 3, Dolor 3, Quiel 3, Silang 1, Suarez 1, Paler 1, Bautista 0, Detalban 0, Marmeto (L), Barrica (L), Opp error 36.
