Out for nearly two months, reduced to a cheerleader in National University’s first nine games, Michaelo Buddin still had trust – both in himself and from his teammates.
Buddin had suffered a fractured right arm days before the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament commenced.
However, he dispelled all doubts about his ability to return to his fiery form from last season.
Buddin delivered a career-high performance against De La Salle University, leading the Bulldogs to a 19-25, 25-21, 25-13, 21-25, 16-14 victory.
NU also earned itself a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.
The 22-year-old outside spiker posted a career-best 32 points with 29 attacks and three blocks, complemented by 10 excellent receptions and six digs.
However, the events of the latter stages of the fifth set truly defined this match for National U.
(C) Joaqui Flores/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“Nung dikit na, lumapit lang ako kay Kuya Owa. Sabi ko, ‘Kuya Owa, ibigay mo lang nang ibigay sa akin, ako na tatapos’,” recalled Buddin.
“Thank you naman kay Kuya Owa kasi nagtiwala siya sa akin. Kahit na ang dami kong na-miss na game, nandoon pa rin yung trust niya sa akin,” he continued.
He requested to receive all the sets, and he delivered.
Buddin put the Bulldogs at match point with a strong spike that deflected off the arm of La Salle middle blocker Nathaniel Del Pilar, making it 14-13.
Vince Maglinao responded for the Green Spikers, but Buddin scored consecutively in the following possessions. First, with a crosscourt hit, and then a push shot that landed right on the line.
Those last points secured the hard-fought victory and gave his team a one-game cushion in the semis.
NU will now aim to extinguish De La Salle’s hopes immediately with a win on Wednesday, still at the Big Dome.
The Bulldogs and the Green Spikers split their elimination round encounters. The former won the first round in four sets, while the latter emerged victorious in the second round, also in four sets.
