National University-Nazareth School completed its quest for back-to-back titles after taming top seed Far Eastern University-Diliman, 25-20, 25-20, 25-23, in Game Two of the UAAP Season 82 Boys’ Volleyball Finals on Sunday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
This is also the Bullpups’ fourth championship in five seasons.
“Very happy ako kasi naibalik namin ‘yung attitude nila na nawala. From scratch, from almost fifth seed, nakuha pa namin ‘yung title. Nag-peak kami nitong time ng championship,” said Bullpups coach Edgar Barroga.
Back-to-back Finals Most Valuable Player Mac Bandola led NU with 15 points on 13 attacks.
Michaelo Buddin, on the other hand, delivered 17 markers and 14 receptions. Meanwhile, Bryan Jaleco unloaded six blocks to finish with 10 points.
“Napakabait na bata niyan (Bandola), sumusunod lagi sa program at sa lahat ng sinasabi ko as a coach or as a father. Maganda sa kanya ay hindi siya nawala, napaka-humble niya,” Barroga shared.
With NU at championship point, 24-20, FEU strung together three straight points but MJ Fortuna’s through-the-block hit iced the championship for the Bullpups.
With FEU closing in 20-22, Michaelo Buddin fired three consecutive hits to give NU a commanding 2-0 set lead.
Season MVP Rans Cajolo was the lone Tamaraw in double-figures with 10 points.
