Five-peat-seeking National University continued its mastery over the University of Santo Tomas with a hard-fought 16-25, 25-20, 25-21, 29-27 victory to conclude the first round of the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament in second place on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Bulldogs’ dominance extended beyond their Season 85 and 86 title wins — both achieved via sweep — once again at the expense of the Golden Spikers. It also marked NU’s first elimination round win against UST since Season 85, following a sweep by UST in Season 86.
With this victory, the Bulldogs extended their winning streak to four matches, finishing the first round at 6-1. Their lone loss came against Far Eastern University, which completed its first 7-0 sweep in the opening round since UAAP Season 82 (2019).
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Pasalamat ako sa response lagi ng team ko na every time na meron kaming challenges sa sitwasyon, first set talaga hirap na hirap kami maka-receive, siguro natiyaga lang namin. Importante lang makakuha kami ng momentum, pagdating ng second set nagtuloy-tuloy yung gusto naming mangyari,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
NU appeared poised to close out the fourth set comfortably, holding a 23-20 lead, but seldom-used John Catinsag and rookie JJ Macam combined to force a 24-all deuce.
UST even secured two match points thanks to Macam and Jay Rack Dela Noche, but the Bulldogs managed to save both.
At 27-all, Peng Taguibolos hammered a quick attack before Leo Aringo blocked Josh Ybañez’s spike to seal the victory after one hour and 49 minutes.
Despite dominating the spiking department (61-42), the Golden Spikers undermined their efforts with 39 errors — 20 more than the Bulldogs’ 19 — proving to be a decisive factor in the match.
“Importante sa amin ‘yung gusto naming manalo. Kung ano man ‘yung nagiging challenge sa UST, kasi tinatrabaho talaga namin. Laking tulong din nung unforced errors ng UST para makuha namin yung game,” Alinsunurin added.
Rookie setter Jeffe Gallego continued his impressive form with 21 excellent sets and four points, orchestrating NU’s offense effectively.
Aringo spearheaded the Bulldogs’ attack with 13 points and seven digs, while Jade Disquitado, making his first start this season, contributed 12 points and 16 receptions. Michaelo Buddin also chipped in 11 points, while Taguibolos added 10.
Meanwhile, UST slipped to 4-3, joining Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University in a three-way tie for third place.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Ybañez returned to his usual position after being utilized as a service specialist in their previous match, leading the Golden Spikers with 17 points on 16-of-29 attacks.
Dela Noche provided solid support with 16 points, while Macam contributed 15 points and 12 receptions. Trevor Valera also made his presence felt with 10 points, including six blocks.
