Withstanding a fourth set collapse, the National University Bulldogs survived arch-rivals Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 25-19, 25-20, 19-25, 25-27, 15-10, and earn their eighth consecutive win of the UAAP Season 81 Men’s Volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
National University were at match point, 24-22, when an error and a clutch transition kill from Janjan Rivera allowed Ateneo to force a deuce. NU’s errors cost them again down the stretch, as their attack error followed by a Lawrence Magadia block sent the match to a decider.
In the final frame, the Bulldogs solved their loose hands on miscues. NU turned an 8-7 lead to a massive 12-8 advantage thanks to kills from JM Natividad and Bryan Bagunas. Ateneo tried to rally back, but NU’s offense was unstoppable as Kim Malabunga capped the match with a massive quick kill.
“Naging problema talaga ‘yung errors namin. Noong lumaban ‘yung Ateneo, ‘di rin kami agad naka-respond,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
“Good thing noong fifth set, mas naka-execute kami sa receive, sa atake. Kailangan maging consistent kami sa ganoon para ma-maintain namin ‘yung standing namin,” the national team head coach added.
Bagunas topped the Bulldogs with 25 points on 24-for-46 attacking. Rookie Nico Almendras and veteran JM Natividad added 18 and 17 points, respectively.
Chu Njigha led Ateneo with 18 points, while Tony Koyfman managed 15.
NU (9-1) next face the De La Salle University Spikers (3-6) on Sunday. Meanwhile, Ateneo (6-4) take on the University of the Philippines Maroons (1-8) on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores
NU (3) – Bagunas 25, Almendras 18, Natividad 17, Malabunga 10, Saura 8, Retamar 1, Ancheta 0, Gampong 0, Marcos (L)
ADMU (2) – Njigha 18, Koyfman 15, Medalla 13, Rivera 10, Glorioso 8, Magadia 3, Aguilar 0, Cuerva 0, Morado 0, Sumanguid (L)
