Defending champion National University had to dig deep to fend off the winless University of the East, 25-20, 23-25, 25-23, 25-15, and secure a bounce-back win in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Coming off a straight-sets loss to the FEU Tamaraws, the Bulldogs struggled at times but managed to return to their winning ways, improving to 3-1.
NU now shares the second spot with the University of Santo Tomas, which swept Adamson, 25-18, 25-15, 25-23.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Umpisa pa lang, kahit nakuha namin ‘yung first set, dama pa rin namin ‘yung nangyari nung last game namin. Even sa first practice namin after FEU, medyo mabigat,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
He added, “Buti na lang nung fourth set, nakita ko na nakabalik na kami kasi ‘yun naman talaga ‘yung gusto namin mangyari sa loob ng court.”
In a tightly contested third set, rookie Roy Piojo gave the Red Warriors hope with an off-the-block hit to inch closer at 23-24. However, Peng Taguibolos quickly shut the door with a decisive quick spike, giving NU a crucial 2-1 set lead.
The Bulldogs then rode their momentum in the fourth, dominating UE 25-15 to wrap up the match in one hour and 47 minutes.
“Sa susunod, gagawin pa namin ‘yung need pa i-improve kasi kita naman sa game kanina, may mga pagkukulang. Start lang ulit kami sa training para punan ‘yung mga pagkukulang,” said Bulldogs captain Leo Aringo, who tallied 15 points along with 24 excellent receptions.
Leo Ordiales led NU with 18 points, delivering 13 spikes, four blocks, and an ace, while Michaelo Buddin contributed 16 points, nine excellent receptions, and five digs.
The Bulldogs asserted their dominance at the net, out-blocking the Red Warriors 17-4, with Taguibolos recording four rejections.
NU will have a week-long break before returning to action on March 9 against the University of the Philippines at the same venue.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Piojo, a rookie from Santa Barbara, Iloilo, paced the Red Warriors (0-4) with 18 points and seven digs, while Steven Aligayon chipped in 15 markers.
Still in search of their first victory, UE will try to break through on Wednesday against unbeaten FEU, also at the MOA Arena.
