It’s been nearly five years since the National University Bulldogs last defeated the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles — March 5, 2014 to be exact.
Since winning their Finals series in Season 76, NU has lost 13 straight matches against Ateneo, including three Finals losses.
Their latest loss could have been NU’s best chance at shedding the losing streak. Ateneo had their 30-game winning streak come to an end last Sunday, and the defending champions looked vulnerable for the first time in a long while.
But NU still could not get over the hump, dropping their first meeting of Season 80 in four sets.
According to Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin, the Bulldogs still have ways to go with their mental toughness.
Most of the Bulldogs are playing in their fourth or fifth year and have developed into powerful players. Playing under pressure situations remain NU’s biggest problems.
“Hanggang ngayon may doubt pa rin sa kanila. Pero, alam mo, nandoon pa rin naman kami. Medyo maganda naman tinakbo ng laro namin. Tumataas na ‘yung pursyento ng atake namin.
“Nagkaka-unforced error lang kami sa opensa pa,” said Alinsunurin, as his Bulldogs gave up 31 errors to Ateneo’s 21.
Still, this is only NU’s second game, and Alinsunurin knows his squad is for from its peak. The Bulldogs can quickly recover in their following match against the winless University of the East Red Warriors on Sunday.
“Parang kung mananalo kasi kami agad, parang masyado pang maaga. Marami pang adjustment na puwedeng mangyari. Suwerte na din kami kasi hindi malala ‘yung talo namin,” shared the enlisted Air Force official. “Off ‘yung dalawa naming gitna. Sana pagdating ng second round, mabago namin ‘yung mindset nila kasi ‘yun na lang naman.ang nagiging problema.
“Medyo down pa rin sila.”
