UAAP champions National University Bulldogs prevailed over NCAA tilists University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas, 25-18, 27-25, 23-25, 25-16, in their Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
UAAP Season 80 Finals MVP Bryan Bagunas fired 24 points off 19 attacks, three blocks and two aces while rookie Angelo Almendres added 13 markers.
The Bulldogs pulled themselves out of close margins through consistent serving which netted them six aces and allowed them to counter off Perpetual misreceives.
National U head coach Dante Alinsunurin acknowledged his team’s shortcomings. Despite being heavy favorites, Alisunurin emphasized the need to stay conditioned.
“Mataas talaga ‘yung respeto namin sa Perpetual. Alam ko naman kung paano magpatakbo ng team si coach Sammy. Ginusto lang ng mga bata na manalo ngayon,” said Alinsunurin. “Sa totoo lang, hindi pa kami one-hundred percent. Nasa paghahanda pa lang talaga kami. Pero nadaan lang sa tiyaga talaga.”
National U (1-0) faces St. Benilde (1-0) on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Ronniel Rosales managed 14 points off nine attacks and five blocks while returning Esmail Kasim added 12 markers.
Perpetual (0-1) faces FEU (0-1) next Sunday at the same venue.
The Scores
NU (3) – Bagunas 24, Almedrez 13, Gampong 11, Malabunga 10, Saura 7, Dayandante 3, Mondero 1, Retamar 1, Ancheta 0, Natividad 0, Marcos (L)
UPHSD (1) – Rosales 14, Kasim 12, Almodiel 10, Ramirez 6, Ramos 6, Muhali 3, Bation 2, Casana 2, Atentar 0, Enarciso 0, Rosos 0, Go (L), Isidro (L)
