THREE-peat seeking National University topped De La Salle University, 25-21, 25-21, 25-16, for a first round sweep of the UAAP Season 85 men’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
The Bulldogs stayed unblemished at 7-0 to extend their winning streak to 25 games dating back to Season 81.
“Pinaghandaan talaga namin itong game na ito kasi yun ang naging goal namin na makuha namin yung sweep ngayong first round and sana magtuloy tuloy pagdating ng second round,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin after the one-hour, 19-minute match.
With the Green Spikers ahead by a point in the third period, 11-10, the Bulldogs barked back as Michaelo Buddin and Kennry Malinis came through to give NU the win in just one hour and 13 minutes.
Buddin impressed with 19 points on 14 attacks, three blocks, and two aces along with 12 excellent receptions.
Malinis also made his presence felt with 16 points while Joshua Retamar had 22 excellent sets to go with four points and seven digs.
Libero Jann Sumagui was solid on defense with 11 digs and nine excellent receptions.
The Green Spikers dropped to 4-3, still in the fourth spot.
Ronquillo was the lone De La Salle player in double figures with 17 points while Noel Kampton was limited to just four points.
Green Spiker libero Menard Guerrero, a product of National University Nazareth School, produced 13 digs and nine receptions.