FOUR-PEAT seeking National University woke up after a sluggish start to finish off University of the East in straight sets, 25-23, 25-13, 25-12, and grab a piece of the lead in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.
With their fifth straight victory, the Bulldogs joined Far Eastern University at the top at 5-1 while keeping the Red Warriors winless in six matches.
“Maganda yung pinakita namin ngayon, nasunod yung game plan namin kung paano kami makakastop at paano kami makabalik ng laro kapag marami kaming unforced error,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin after their victory in just 69 minutes.
The Bulldogs needed to fight for their lives in the first frame, showing endgame brilliance to escape, 25-23, before having their way completely in the next two.
Rwenzmel Taguibolos registered his breakout game of 13 points on a perfect 5-of-5 attack clip, seven of their 17 blocks, and a service ace.
“Kailangan ko po ng consistency sa game para maipakita ko po yung sistema at yung tinuturo sa akin ng mga coaches,“ said Taguibolos as he alone outperformed UE in blocks, 7-4.
Rookie Jade Disquitado followed his career-high performance against FEU with a game-high 15 points on 12-of-22 attacks and three blocks, while Nico Almendras contributed 14 points on 12-of-20 spikes.
Angelo Reyes was injected into the starting lineup and led the Red Warriors with 11 points while Brent Maralit added eight.
NU will close the first round against De La Salle University on Saturday while UE will hope to get a win on Sunday against the University of the Philippines.
Both games will be held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
