NATIONAL University secured the first Final Four ticket after eliminating Adamson University, 25-19, 25-19, 25-21, in the UAAP Season 85 men’s volleyball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, Wednesday.
The 10-0 Bulldogs also stretched their league winning streak to 28 games since Season 81.
The Soaring Falcons, meanwhile, dropped to 1-9, tied with University of the Philippines for the seventh and eighth spots and are both out of Final Four contention already as joint-fourth De La Salle University and Ateneo de Manila University, both at 5-5, still yet to meet in the second round.
“Maganda yung start namin kaya maaga namin na-control yung game kaya siguro nag tuloy tuloy hanggang sa second set and third set,” said head coach Dante Alinsunurin after NU secured its eighth consecutive Final Four berth.
“Sana tuloy tuloy lang sa nagiging performance namin every practice and every game kasi importante sa goal namin ngayon na makuha yung kampeonato sa UAAP and syempre meron din kaming bagong goal, syempre yung winning streak namin na sana magtuloy tuloy yung performance namin,” he added.
The Falcons threatened to come back from 23-17 down in the third set after three straight points on a Clarenz Belostrino’s service error, Francis Casas’ off-the-block point, and Evander Novillo’s backrow hit.
But Kennry Malinis answered for the Bulldogs before Josh Magalaman kept Adamson alive with a quick kill. However, Nico Almendras hammered another kill to end the one-hour 28-minute match.
Michaelo Buddin led the balanced attack of NU with 16 points and seven excellent receptions while Almendras had an all-around brilliance of 11 points, 19 receptions, and eight digs.
Obed Mukaba also added 10 points of his own including two service aces, while Malinis and Gerard Diao chipped in nine and seven points, respectively.
Casas made 11 points and seven excellent receptions for the Soaring Falcons while Novillo contributed 10 points.
Adamson will return on Saturday against University of the East while NU faces skidding Far Eastern University on Sunday. Both games will be held at Philsports
