In a perfect example of high-quality Men’s Volleyball, the National University Bulldogs pulled off just enough crucial plays to thwart the Far Eastern University Tamaraws in three sets, 25-20, 25-22, 25-23, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
For most of the match, points were decided by quick forays at the net. The Bulldogs managed clutch digs in the tail-end of the first set to widen their lead to five, 23-18, and come away with the set. In another exchange of side-out plays, NU again pulled away late, getting a crucial block from Kim Malabunga to take the 2-0 lead.
With the third set turning into another heated duel, the Bulldogs got crucial contributions from their wingers both in the front and back row to seal the win.
“Siyempre may mga kaunting lapses pa rin tayong nakikita pero pinakita nila kanina na kumapit sila kahit maunahan kami ng FEU. ‘Yun ang dine-develop namin sa kanila na hopefully magpatuloy pa,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
Towering third-year open hitter Bryan Bagunas tallied 16 points off 11/25 attacking, with three aces and two blocks. Bagunas’ fellow winger, Fauzi Ismail pitched in 15 markers.
NU maintain their hold of second place, improving their record to 4-1. They face fourth-placed University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers (3-2) on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre
Middle hitters Greg Dolor and sophomore wunderkind JP Bugaoan led the Tamaraws with 13 and 10 points, respectively.
FEU fall to a tie at fourth with UST with a 3-2 slate. They face the University of the Philippines Maroons (3-1), also on Wednesday.
The Scores
NU (3) – Bagunas 16, Ismail 15, Malabunga 12, Saura 6, Natividad 4, Dayandante 2, Ancheta 0, Gampong 0, Marcos (L)
FEU (0) – Dolor 13, Bugaoan 10, Solis 5, Bautista 3, Paler 3, Camcam 2, Garcia 2, Quiel 2, Silang 0, Suarez 0, Villegas 0, Marmeto (L)
