Michaelo Buddin stepped up for National University when it mattered the most at the close of the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball elimination round.
Buddin started for the first time this season for the Bulldogs on April 24 after recovering from a fractured right hand. And he wasted no time making his presence felt for his crew.
He poured in 17 points and caught 11 excellent receptions in a 25-22, 25-21, 25-20 rout of top-seeded Far Eastern University (12-2), whom they also defeated the first time they met this season.
For his efforts, Buddin was adjudged as the Collegiate Press Corps’ UAAP Men’s Player of the Week, presented by San Miguel Corporation, for the first time this season from April 24 to 27.
The Bulldogs remain in the hunt for the last twice-to-beat advantage as they fight for the No. 2 spot against the DLSU Green Spikers, with similar 11-3 records.
The two will also face each other in the semifinals, making their battle a virtual best-of-three series.
But Buddin only has his team in his mind, knowing the fierce competition still ahead of them.
“Kahit papaano naman, goal ko lagi bago ako makabalik ay maka-contribute sa team at pag-butihin ko pa lagi para sa darating na semis, para makuha namin yung goal ng team namin,” he said, banking on the full trust of coach Dante Alinsunurin.
“Based sa performance niya ngayon, siguro yun yung naging missing link namin sa past games na kailangan namin talaga yung mindset ni Buddin sa laro,” Alinsunurin said.
Buddin edged out his teammate Joshua Retamar, La Salle’s JM Ronquillo, UP’s Louis Gamban, and Ateneo’s Jian Salarzon for the weekly citation.
