National University edged out University of the Philippines in three tight sets, 25-20, 25-23, 27-25, for its third straight win in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.
Bulldogs setter-captain Joshua Retamar shined with a career-high 12 points on six aces, three attacks, and three blocks, along with 20 excellent sets and three digs.
The Bulldogs’ mettle got tested in the third after trailing by as much as six, 7-13, and 18-22 late.
But Leo Aringo, Jade Disquitado, and Rwenzmel Taguibolos came through with four straight points to tie.
But it was the Fighting Maroons who still got to set point first, 24-23.
Then Disquitado, a 19-year-old rookie, attacked back-to-back to put the reigning champions ahead, 25-24. Then Angelo Lagando answered with a crosscourt hit for UP.
Aringo followed with a strong down-the-line spike before Choi Diao ended the game with a monster block on Lagando.
“Thankful pa rin kami na nanalo kami. Pagdating ng third set at least nakakuha kami ng momentum sa ganong sitwasyon, yun yung kinakailangan namin sa mga susunod na game na kahit down kami, nagawa pa rin namin imanage,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin after the one hour, 21 minute match.
Disquitado top-scored with 16 points to go with 10 excellent receptions. Meanwhile, Nico Almendras and Aringo chipped in 14 and 12 points, respectively.
The Bulldogs, after losing their opening game, now hold a 3-1 record for momentary solo second just behind undefeated Far Eastern University.
On the other hand, the Fighting Maroons remained winless after four matches. They were led by Louis Gamban’s 13 points and Jessie Rubin’s 11.
NU’s next game will be against the league-leader FEU on Wednesday, 12:00 PM, still at the bayside Pasay venue.
Meanwhile, UP will have three game days off before returning on March 10 against De La Salle University.
