National University took a dominant 25-16, 25-17, 25-20 victory over University of the East, moving two wins away from sweeping the UAAP Season 85 men’s volleyball elimination round and pushing the Red Warriors to the brink of elimination on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Bulldogs improved their record to 12-0, extending their winning streak in the league to 30 matches.
Meanwhile, the Red Warriors slipped to 4-8, with their fate already out of their hands. A win by either Far Eastern University or Ateneo de Manila University in their remaining elims matches will eliminate UE in the Final Four chase.
“Maganda ‘yung simula namin nung first set,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin. “Siguro nag-tuloy-tuloy na yung ginagawa namin. Pagdating ng second set, mas naging agresibo yung team ko sa mindset namin kung ano pa yung pwede naming gawin sa loob ng court.”
The Bulldogs had strong starts in all three sets, leading to huge leads that they were able to protect en route to the victory in just one hour and 24 minutes.
Joshua Retamar was spectacular with 22 excellent sets to go with nine points on four blocks, three service aces, and two attacks.
Three Bulldogs reached double figures, led by Michaelo Buddin’s 14 points that he laced with 10 excellent receptions. Nico Almendras and Ken Malinis added 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Middle blockers Obed Mukaba and Gerard Diao also contributed eight and six points, respectively, as NU showcased its full arsenal.
Giles Torres paced the Red Warriors with eight points, while Joshua Pozas and Xjhann Camaymayan had seven and six points.
NU will go for 13-0 against second-ranked University of Santo Tomas on Wednesday. Meanwhile, UE will battle cellar-dweller University of the Philippines later that day.
