Defending champion National University sent Far Eastern University reeling to its first loss in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball Tournament via a five-set escape, 25-22, 21-25, 25-14, 23-25, 18-16, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday.
Jade Disquitado, a 19-year-old rookie, dropped a career-high 29 points on 24 spikes, four aces, and a block he laced with 23 excellent receptions.
Meanwhile, Leo Aringo and Nico Almendras produced 16 and 15 points, respectively, for the Bulldogs.
With its fourth straight victory, NU forged a three-way logjam atop the standings its victims and De La Salle University at 4-1.
Bulldogs coach Dante Alinsunurin tipped his hat off for the Tamaraws, who were at matchpoint at 16-15 only to fall short of staying undefeated.
“Talagang sa una nangangapa pa rin kami sa sitwasyon namin pero talagang ang hirap kalaban ng FEU kasi nasa top sila ngayon. Ang importante nasubukan kami sa ganitong sitwasyon,” said Alinsunurin.
Through Disquitado, the Bulldogs opened up an early 9-4 lead in the race-to-15 fifth frame.
However, the Tamaraws banked on Dryx Saavedra, Jayjay Javelona, and Martin Bugaoan to catch up and tie the game 12.
After multiple see-saw actions, FEU gained match point after Lirick Mendoza denied Almendras at the net, 16-15.
Then the latter responded with a push shot that bounced off a Tamaraw player’s hand before touching the antenna for another tie, 16-all.
In the ensuing play, Saavedra’s down-the-line attempt went long followed by Choi Diao’s quick attack to give NU the big win in two hours and 19 minutes.
“Malakas talaga ang FEU, kung paano nila paluin yung bola, sobrang lakas talaga kaya nahirapan kami minsan sa depensa,” said Bulldogs captain Joshua Retamar, who poured another double-digit performance.
He scored 12 points on six aces, four attacks, and two blocks to go with 22 excellent sets.
Saavedra paced FEU with 19 points, while Andrei Delicana and Javelona had 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Bugaoan also delivered 10 points for the Tamaraws, who gained 37 free points for the Bulldogs’ errors.
FEU will seek to regain its winning ways on Saturday against Adamson University (2-2). On the other hand, NU will aim to get its streak running against University of the East on Sunday.
Both will be at the same Pasay venue.
