National University pressed the right buttons to edge past Ateneo de Manila University in three tight sets, 25-21, 25-23, 27-25, moving closer to the Final Four of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Saturday.
The Bulldogs improved their record to 8-2, just half a game behind league-leading Far Eastern University Tamaraws at 8-1.
A win against Adamson University on Easter Sunday at the same UST arena will secure NU at least a playoff for a semifinals berth. The Bulldogs have been a regular Final Four fixture since Season 75.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Lahat naman ng team ngayong second round ay nagsi-step up eh, so hindi puwedeng — kumbaga, tapos na lahat ng adjustments. Lahat talaga lumalakas ngayon so pinaghahandaan namin sa training,” said NU deputy Dong Dela Cruz, as head coach Dante Alinsunurin had to rush to the Ninoy Aquino Stadium to handle Choco Mucho in its knockout match against Akari in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
The Blue Eagles controlled the early lead in the third frame and were ahead 18-15 when the Bulldogs mounted their comeback.
With contributions from Michaelo Buddin, Peng Taguibolos, and errors from Ateneo, NU extended the set and tied it at 24.
Aimar Okeke gave the Blue Eagles their second set point with a sharp down-the-line kill, but NU quickly leveled again after Ateneo served into the net.
Then Jade Disquitado handed NU its first match point with a crosscourt hit, and Julio Yu’s attack sailing out sealed the Bulldogs’ win in one hour and 25 minutes, halting Ateneo’s three-game winning streak.
Buddin led NU with 19 points on 16 spikes, two blocks, and an ace, along with five receptions and four digs, while Leo Ordiales added 11 points.
Disquitado contributed eight points, nine receptions, and five digs, and Taguibolos had six points, including four blocks. Jimwell Gapultos also impressed with 17 excellent receptions and seven digs.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
For Ateneo, Okeke topped the stats with 19 points on 14 attacks, four blocks, and an ace, alongside eight receptions and four digs.
Despite his performance, the Blue Eagles fell to 5-5, still in fourth place but only half a game ahead of fifth-running De La Salle Green Spikers at 4-5. Yu added seven points and five receptions off the bench.
Ateneo will look to bounce back on April 8 against University of the Philippines at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
