National University needed to fend off University of the Philippines in the first two sets before having its way in the third, 25-23, 25-22, 25-16, to collect its seventh straight win in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.
The Bulldogs opened the second round of action with yet another victory to improve to a league-leading 7-1 record before their Sunday face-off against University of Santo Tomas, the only team that defeated them so far.
“Sobrang ganda ng game na first set pa lang, naging maganda na yung match-up namin. Nag-struggle sa una, pero yung ganitong sitwasyon, nakuha agad namin sa first set kahit slow start,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
After two tight sets, the Bulldogs did not let it happen again in the third.
They used a strong finisher by Nico Almendras and Rwenzmel Taguibolos to run away and end the match in 79 minutes.
Almendras finished with a game-high 19 points on an efficient 18-of-27 clip from spikes to go with nine receptions.
“Itong start ng second round, dito na magbi-base kung sino na yung papasok ng top four, and dito na rin magpi-peak yung bawat team,” said Joshua Retamar, who had 20 excellent sets and six points on two attacks, two blocks, and two aces.
“So sinasabi ko lang lagi sa kakampi ko na bawal kaming mag kumpyansa.”
Rookie Jade Disquitado provided 13 points, while Leo Aringo added 11 of his own.
Angelo Lagando supplied 14 points, while Louis Gamban chalked up 12.
The Fighting Maroons remain luckless in eight outings.
UP will try again to claim the elusive victory against Ateneo de Manila University on Palm Sunday at 10:00 AM before the Holy Week break.
