National University rebounded big time at the expense of University of the East, 25-13, 25-17, 25-22, in the resumption of the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball second round on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Bulldogs, who absorbed a reverse sweep loss at the hands of the University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers before the Holy Week break, improved to 8-2 for momentary solo first ahead of Far Eastern University, which only has eight games at 7-1.
“Sobrang naging maganda yung laro namin dahil team effort talaga. Kahit sino yung ipinasok ko nag-deliver,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
After the first two sets resulted in blowouts, the Red Warriors kept in step with the Bulldogs in the third at 22-23 but Jade Disquitado and Leo Aringo came in clutch for the NU win in one hour and 22 minutes.
Disquitado delivered a game-high 16 points on 13-of-24 kills while Aringo chipped in 15 points on an efficient 12-of-18 clip in spikes.
Season 85 2nd Best Outside Spiker Michaelo Buddin also made his season debut after recovering from a fractured right hand, making 3-of-7 attacks and six excellent receptions as a second and third set substitute.
“Welcome back to Buddin, sabi ko naman after nung game namin sa UST unti-unti ko na siyang ibabalik. Sana magtuloy tuloy lang yung sa ginagawa niyang sakripisyo,” added the long-time NU coach as they will have six days to prepare for Ateneo de Manila University next Wednesday.
Steven Aligayon paced the Red Warriors, who slid to 1-8, with 12 points on 10 attacks, an ace, and a block.
UE will try to break its two-game skid on Tuesday against De La Salle University.
