By: Justine Anne Gaerlan
National University Nazareth School and University of the East dominated their respective opponents to stay tied for second in the UAAP Season 87 High School Boys’ Volleyball Tournament on Saturday at Paco Arena in Manila.
The Bullpups took just 68 minutes to defeat the De La Salle Zobel Junior Green Spikers, 25-13, 25-15, 25-19, while the Junior Warriors needed just 58 minutes to sweep the UP Integrated School Junior Fighting Maroons, 25-13, 25-15, 25-12, improving both teams to identical 3-1 records.
It was a solid bounce-back win for the defending champions Bullpups, who were coming off a four-set loss to the UST Junior Golden Spikers last Wednesday.
“Sabi ko sa kanila, everytime ngayon kahit nananalo tayo, kailangan push pa rin natin. Every point counts. Naging maganda naman ‘yung bawi nila ngayon,” said long-time NUNS head coach Edgar Barroga.
“Regrouping is not easy. Medyo ang nangyari lang versus UST is the attitude na matapos manalo sa first set nang easy, medyo alam mo na ‘yung mga ugali ng players ko, nagiging complacent ‘yung mga ‘yan kapag medyo nananalo. So ang problem is hindi na kami nakabawi kasi dumating na ‘yung kinakatakutan ko na kapag medyo dumidikit ang kalaban, nasisira na ‘yung playing attitude nila na maging matapang,” he added.
Team captain Miguel Egger led the Bullpups’ offense with an impressive 16 points, coming from 12 kills, three blocks, and an ace, while Xandrex Ragusta contributed 12 points, including 10 attacks.
Kalel Ronquillo also effectively orchestrated the team’s offense with 11 excellent sets.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
On the other hand, Lance Babon shined for the Junior Warriors, tallying 12 points on six kills, five service aces, and one block, while Clarence Gianan added eight points, including five attacks and two blocks.
Marcus Dulay distributed 12 excellent sets to give UE its second straight win.
Mario Lopez was the lone bright spot for the 2-2 DLSZ squad, scoring 10 points.
Meanwhile, UPIS remained winless after four games.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
In the girls’ division, defending champion Adamson University cruised past UPIS, 25-11, 25-14, 25-13, to claim its second consecutive victory and tie NUNS for third.
Sam Cantada, who played only in the first and final sets, led the Baby Falcons for the second straight game with 13 points, coming from seven kills, five aces, and one block.
Team captain Abby Segui added seven points, while Claire Gam anchored the defense with 10 excellent digs in the match that lasted just 54 minutes.
UPIS dropped to sixth place in the seven-team field, holding a 1-4 record.
