By: Ernest Tuazon
National University (NU) kicked off its V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge campaign with a four-set victory over University of Perpetual Help System Dalta (UPHSD), rebounding from a second-set stumble to secure a 25-21, 22-25, 25-14, 25-22 win at the Paco Arena in Manila Wednesday.
Drawing firepower from a mix of seasoned players and newcomers, NU dominated the NCAA defending champions despite a performance marred by 43 errors.
“Yung players namin, yung iba bago… Medyo yung gelling, medyo nangangapa pa, pero yung sistema naman nandoon, tsaka ang dami namin unforced errors,” NU assistant coach Dong Dela Cruz said about the win.
“Yung errors namin, yun yung nagbibigay ng momentum sa kanila ‘eh,” he added. UPHSD showed grit in the fourth set, battling back from 13-17 down to force a tie at 20.
NU team captain Leo Aringo, however, took charge, delivering key hits that the Altas couldn’t handle. He scored three of NU’s last five points to seal the victory for the Bulldogs, who placed fifth last year.
Buds Buddin and Aringo led the Bulldogs with 17 points each, while Jan Abadilla and Obed Mukaba combined for 30 markers.
Kobe Tabuga paced the Altas with 13 points.
(C) V-League Images
Meanwhile, Far Eastern University (FEU) escaped University of Santo Tomas (UST) in four tight sets, 32-30, 27-29, 25-17, 25-20, to secure its first win.
Benny Martinez steered the Tamaraws to their first V-League win with four points (all on aces) and 16 excellent sets, while Mikko Espartero contributed 16 markers.
This victory marked the Tamaraws’ first win against their Sampaloc neighbors since they lost a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament.
Gboy de Vega led the Golden Spikers with 16 points, while Poy Colinares and Jayrack de la Noche combined for 25 points in the loss.
