The National University Bulldogs earned their best record for the first round record in more than four seasons after handling the University of the Philippines Maroon Spikers in four sets, 26-24, 25-13, 23-25, 25-20, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Bulldogs opened the match sluggishly, allowing a four-point lead to dissipate, and letting UP crawl back and force a deuce. The Maroons, however, surrendered crucial errors to hand NU the early lead. After a dominant second set showing, the Bulldogs were primed to take the match in straight sets, leading the third frame, 23-20. But NU succumbed to their own errors and miscues, and powered UP’s comeback.
Shoring up their defense and reception, the Bulldogs handily took the fourth set to close the match. Still, NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin said his team played their worst match of the season.
“Ito siguro ‘yung pinakapanget na nilaro namin this season. Talagang titignan namin ‘yung mga mali naming ginawa,” Alinsunurin lamented. “May mga kailangan pa talaga kaming i-improve pero maganda para sa amin ‘to na nakuha namin ‘yung ganitong record.”
NU senior open hitter Fauzi Ismail scorched the Maroons for 21 points off 19 attacks, a block, and an ace. Bryan Bagunas and last season’s Rookie of the Year, James Natividad, each had 12 points.
NU has firm hold of the second spot in the standings with a 6-1 record, ahead of the Far Eastern University (5-2), UP (3-4), and the University of Santo Tomas (3-4).
UP played without Wendel Miguel, who has dislocated his right shoulder and will be out for two to three weeks. Sophomore Mark Millete led the Maroons with 20 points but was the only one in double-digits.
The Scores
NU (3) – Ismail 21, Bagunas 12, Natividad 12, Malabunga 10, Saura 9, Dayandante 4, Ancheta 0, Gampong 0, Marcos (L)
UP (1) – Millete 20, Valbuena 9, San Pedro 6, San Pascual 5, Castillo 4, Consuelo 4, Baldelovar 0, Madeigalejos 0, Luna (L), Nasol (L)
