Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times
(C) V-League Images

News

NU outlasts UST in nail-biting finish, captures V-League Men’s bronze


National University fended off University of Santo Tomas to claim the bronze medal in the 2024 V-League Collegiate Challenge Men’s Division with a thrilling 25-19, 34-32, 31-29 victory on Sunday at the Philsports Arena.

The Bulldogs mounted a monumental comeback in the third set after trailing 10-16, ultimately closing out the match in an intense hour and 42 minutes.

NU captain Leo Aringo came out on top in his head-to-head battle with UST’s Jan Macam during the third-set tug-of-war, giving his team the crucial advantage.

Two consecutive errors from UST — one from Macam and another from an attack line fault by GBoy De Vega — sealed the win and the bronze for the Bulldogs.

“At least nakita namin yung mga players namin na kayang mag-perform. Hindi na mahihirapan si coach Dante [Alinsunurin] ‘pag balik niya kung sino ‘yung gagamitin. Lahat naman ‘to is preparation namin for UAAP,” said NU assistant coach Dong Dela Cruz.

NU showed the same composure in the second set after taking the first with relative ease. The Golden Spikers stayed competitive following their opening set loss, but their momentum took a hit when ace middle blocker Popoy Colinares went down in the middle of the second set.

Despite the setback, Macam, De Vega, and Sherwin Umandal tried to carry UST, but Aringo and Jan Abanilla teamed up to take the tight second set, giving NU a crucial 2-0 lead.

Aringo led all scorers with 17 points, all from attacks, while Abanilla contributed 11 points, including nine kills and two blocks.

#ReadMore  Jade Disquitado shines bright in absence of Michaelo Buddin

However, it was the timely kills from middle blocker Obed Mukaba, particularly in the third set, that created separation for the reigning UAAP champions. Mukaba finished with 13 points from nine spikes and four blocks.

For UST, incoming rookie Macam led the Golden Spikers with 14 points, all from attacks, while Umandal and De Vega added 10 and seven points, respectively.

Grew to appreciate various sports from tennis to judo. True-maroon kiddo since the new millennium. Fanboy. Singer. Occasional sports writer.


You May Also Like

Beach Volleyball

University of Santo Tomas successfully defended its UAAP Men’s Volleyball title, keeping it in Espana as tournament MVP Dominique Gabito and Alche Gupiteo led...

ADMU

University of Santo Tomas women’s and men’s beach volleyball teams completed a flawless sweep of the elimination round on Sunday, asserting their dominance in...

ADMU

Adamson University joined the University of Santo Tomas and National University in the women’s Final Four after sweeping its Saturday matches in the UAAP...

ADMU

Defending champion University of Santo Toma and National University punched their tickets to the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Beach Volleyball Final Four with dominant...

ADMU

University of Santo Tomas (UST) and National University (NU) continued their dominance in the UAAP Season 87 collegiate beach volleyball tournament, with both their...

ADMU

Defending men’s champions University of Santo Tomas made an emphatic statement on the opening day of the UAAP Season 87 Beach Volleyball Tournament at...

ADMU

University of Santo Tomas is aiming for a third consecutive golden double in the UAAP Season 87 collegiate beach volleyball tournament, which kicks off...

DLSU

Last UAAP season, both De La Salle University and Far Eastern University advanced to the Final Four but fell short of their goal to...

Advertisement