National University and Far Eastern University continued to set the tone for the 2024 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge on Sunday, beating their respective foes at Paco Arena.
Reigning UAAP champions Bulldogs romped past the EAC Generals, 25-19, 25-23, 25-15, while the Tamaraws needed to scrape past the Ateneo Blue Eagles with a 24-26, 25-22, 25-18, 29-27 triumph.
Buds Buddin led the way for the Bulldogs with 17 points on 13 attacks, three blocks, and one service ace in the quick, one-hour, 13-minute triumph.
Team captain Leo Aringo, meanwhile, came up with an all-around performance of 13 points, 12 of which came from attacks, as well as nine excellent receptions and five excellent digs.
“Nagsisimula ulit kaming mabuo ‘yung team kaya although panalo kami, malaking bagay ‘yung [nakakuha] ng experience ‘yung ibang players namin. Kailangan talaga naming mag-gel pa para mabawasan ‘yung unforced errors namin,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
Obed Mukaba chipped in six points in the win, while Jan Abadillad had five markers.
(C) V-League Images
Meanwhile, FEU skipper Jelord Talisayan scored 13 points, 12 of which came from attacks, while incoming freshmen Amet Bituin delivered 12 points.
The Tamaraws needed to dig deep in the fourth frame to fend off a rejuvenated Blue Eagles side en route to a 2-0 card, tying NU.
“Kinapitan lang talaga ng mga bata eh. Gusto nilang gumalaw ng tama, pero marami pang kailangan asikasuhin sa service, block, depensa, sobrang dami pa,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
Locked at 26-all, Mikko Espartero rose over two blockers and unleashed a searing cross-court attack to give the Tamaraws a 27-26 advantage in the fourth frame, but Aimar Okeke answered back and hammered one from the back row off a broken play to knot things anew at 27.
Ejira Taluban then committed a service error for the side of Ateneo, before Doula Ndongala blocked Matthew Salarzon to complete the win after two hours and eight minutes of play.
“Siguro naka-mindset lang kami na kapag laro, talagang laro lang. Whether we like or not kailangan pumukpok kasi trabaho namin ‘yan,” added Orcullo.
Espartero spearheaded FEU with 14 points on nine attacks, four blocks, and one ace to go along with 15 excellent receptions and four excellent digs.
Aimar Okeke led Ateneo with 14 points, Kennedy Batas scored 13, while the pair of Jettlee Gopio and Salarzon had 10 markers each.
Jan Ruther Abor was the long bright spot for the NCAA squad with 14 points on 12 attacks, one block, and one ace.
