With the defending champions on the ropes, it was rookie setter Jeffe Gallego who took control and guided National University to a thrilling comeback victory.
Displaying poise beyond his years, the UAAP Season 86 Boys’ Volleyball Finals Most Valuable Player orchestrated the Bulldogs’ offense.
And he calmly steered the team from two sets down to a dramatic 20-25, 17-25, 25-18, 25-19, 15-12 reverse sweep of Adamson University in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
In the league’s first five-setter match since opening day, Gallego’s steady hands and sharp decision-making turned the tide for NU, sparking a crucial third-set rally that reignited the Bulldogs’ fire.
“Sa past few games namin, hindi ako nagagamit pero ginagawa ko pa rin palagi na ready ako sa bench kasi alam ko na gagamitin ako,” said Gallego, who delivered 22 excellent sets along with four points on three blocks and one ace.
“Nasa mindset ko na kailangan ‘pag ginamit ako, gagawin ko yung best ko and yung 100-percent ko na makakatulong palagi sa team.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Gallego was brought in midway through the second set to replace Greg Ancheta. His precise feeds to Buds Buddin, Leo Aringo, and Jade Disquitado allowed NU to chip away at Adamson’s momentum and seize control when it mattered most.
Locked in a 10-all deadlock in the fifth set, Gallego’s calm presence kept NU composed. Two Adamson attack errors, combined with a down-the-line hit from Aringo, pushed the Bulldogs ahead 13-10.
Although Jude Aguilar responded with back-to-back points for Adamson, Gallego’s well-timed set to Choi Diao for a quick hit — followed by Buddin’s clutch block and an Aguilar error — sealed the Bulldogs’ stirring comeback.
“Nung first part ng game namin, sobrang struggled kami sa pasa namin and serve namin, kaya hindi namin magawa yung gusto namin gawin sa court,” NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin said.
He went on, “Buti na lang pagdating nung third set onward, medyo unti-unti naka-recover kami hanggang sa dulo na nakuha namin yung game. At least sa amin, na-improve yung skills namin on time.”
Buddin powered NU with 22 points built on 17 attacks, three blocks, and two aces while adding nine excellent receptions and four excellent digs.
Disquitado provided a much-needed spark off the bench with 15 points on 13 attacks and two blocks, alongside eight excellent receptions and seven excellent digs.
Aringo tallied 13 points on 12 attacks and one block while contributing 10 excellent receptions and seven excellent digs. Taguibolos also delivered 13 points on 10 attacks and three blocks.
Starting libero Jimwell Gapultos shone on defense with 20 excellent receptions and seven excellent digs.
With the win, the Bulldogs improved to 5-1, tightening their grip on solo second place. They now hold a 1.5-game cushion over the University of Santo Tomas (4-2) heading into their highly anticipated clash on Sunday, March 16, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, Adamson dropped to 1-5, tying University of the Philippines at the bottom of the standings.
Aguilar paced the Soaring Falcons in the loss with a career-best 26-point effort built on 24 attacks and two aces, while adding six excellent digs.
Marc Paulino contributed 19 points on 16 attacks, two blocks, and one ace, along with nine excellent digs and eight excellent receptions.
Leo Coguimbal chipped in 12 points on six attacks and six blocks, while Ronn Domingo dished out 21 excellent sets and added six points on five attacks and one block.
The Soaring Falcons will aim to close their first round on a high note when they face UP on Saturday, March 15, also at the Big Dome.
