Defending champion National University handed Adamson University a reality check, 25-13, 25-18, 25-15, securing back-to-back straight-set victories in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament, Wednesday morning at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The Soaring Falcons had opened the season with a thrilling five-set victory over the Ateneo Blue Eagles. But the Bulldogs — who swept the UST Golden Spikers last Saturday — once again relied on Alas Pilipinas Men mainstays Buds Buddin, Leo Ordiales, and Jade Disquitado for a commanding 2-0 start to their ‘six-peat’ bid.
Having not dropped a set through two games, NU carries significant momentum heading into a rematch of the Season 87 Finals against Far Eastern University on Saturday, February 21, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
As of publishing, the Tamaraws have a chance to join the Bulldogs atop the standings, as FEU will face the University of the East later today at 3:00 PM.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Nakita naman natin yung distribution ng setter kasi lahat naman gumagana. Thankful ako doon sa performances namin, kasi kung ano yung game plan namin at kung ano yung iniensayo namin, talagang nakikita namin na lumalabas,” NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin said.
“Tatrabuhuin pa namin yung galaw namin kasi kita namin ‘pag maganda yung pasa namin at yung serve namin, talagang medyo naco-control yung laro namin. Mas magfo-focus pa rin kami sa serve and receive namin to make sure ‘pag yung break point namin, ma-control namin and maging kalabasan ng laro,” he added.
In the third set, the Soaring Falcons tried to stay within striking distance, trailing 8-6. However, the Bulldogs mounted a crucial 8-2 run — capped by two Buddin attacks — to take a commanding 16-8 lead.
That proved decisive, as a through-the-block hit by Buddin and a game-winning crosscourt attack by Ordiales sealed NU’s second win of Season 88 in as many games.
Building on a strong 25-12 first-set win, the Bulldogs turned a slim 8-7 lead in the second set into a comfortable nine-point, 17-8 advantage, highlighted by an Ordiales crosscourt hit and two consecutive Buddin aces.
NU then withstood a late Adamson rally, with back-to-back Buddin attacks and an attack error by Ahmed Tahiluddin helping secure a 25-18 second-set win and an insurmountable 2-0 sets lead.
Ordiales finished with 16 points on 11 attacks, three blocks, and two aces, along with three excellent digs. Buddin contributed 15 points on 12 attacks and three aces, complemented by 10 excellent receptions.
Disquitado added 11 points on nine attacks and five excellent receptions. Meanwhile, Congolese middle blocker Obed Mukaba — given more touches after a scoreless opener against FEU — added seven points on five attacks, one block, and one ace.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
For Adamson, Richard Besorio led with six points, while Ducusin — who scored 23 points against Ateneo — was limited to five points and two excellent digs. Team captain Leo Coguimbal chipped in six points on five attacks and one block.
The Soaring Falcons will look to bounce back against the University of the East Red Warriors later today at the same venue.
