UAAP Season 86 was a landmark year for National University Nazareth School, as they reclaimed the Boys’ Volleyball title at the expense of a resurging University of the East.
Among the stars of the championship campaign was Matthew Abut, one of the younger Bullpups who emerged as a key threat for the squad.
Having been part of the team since Season 85, Abut finally had his moment to shine the following year.
Reflecting on his journey, he expressed pride in his contributions to the championship.
“Ever since po kasi nagsimula po ako dito sa NUNS, unang-unang in-adjust ko sa sarili ko is ‘yung sa sistema namin dito sa Manila. Ibang-iba kasi ‘yung sistema do’n sa probinsiya namin. It took months of training para lang makapag-adjust pero at the end of the day nakuha ko naman ‘yung sistema,” said the Cagayan De Oro-born spiker.
Abut’s hard work paid off as the then-17-year-old outside hitter, along with his teammates, secured another UAAP Boys’ title.
He was especially proud of his personal growth.
“Throughout the experience, ‘yung nakuha ko sa sarili ko is ‘yung bawas-kabado talaga, kasi ‘yung nagpatalo sa sarili ko ‘pag dating ng laro. ‘Yung first time ko gano’n kaya medyo wala-wala ‘yung laro ko dati, pero ngayon since isa na ‘ko sa mga seniors na nagga-guide sa mga bata at isa naglalaro sa first six, may tiwala ‘yung mga kasama ko at dapat gandahan ko sa laro,” he shared.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Defending a title is always a significant challenge, something the Bullpups were well aware of from their experience.
Nevertheless, Abut, along with his captain Migs Egger, last year’s 2nd Best Middle Blocker, libero Jake Briones, and other seniors, were prepared to carry the fight for the Blue and Gold.
“First is ‘yung pag-jell namin as a team, nakukuha namin ‘yon sa training, So dapat sa training pa lang, dapat masaya na, enjoy na. Kailangang mag-usap nung mga bago at mga seniors. Second is sa training, dapat quality talaga. Kailangan, ‘yung training is seryosohin,” he said.
“May balance ba kung kailangan ‘yung enjoy sa laro at kailan seryoso ‘yung galawan.”
The Bullpups faced an early challenge against the Far Eastern University-Diliman Baby Tamaraws in their very first match of the season.
Despite the tough competition, the boys from Jhocson managed to avert a reverse sweep and eventually secured the win in five sets, with Abut leading the charge with 17 points.
For Abut, who contributed 15 attacks, eight digs, and 13 excellent receptions against their Season 85 Finals tormentors, the opener was a valuable test. It provided lessons that could help them throughout the season.
“Hinahanap pa rin kasi ni Coach Edgar (Barroga), ‘yung kung sino ang tatao sa first six, pero at the end of the day nakuha namin ‘yung game kasi ‘pag dating sa laro, as long as masaya do’n makukuha ‘yung jell sa team at doon makukuha ‘yung kung sino ‘yung lamang,” Abut said.
