The National University Bulldogs picked up their most convincing win of the season, snapping the Far Eastern University Tamaraws’ five-match winning streak, 22-25, 25-20, 25-16, 25-17, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
NU leaned on their spectacular wing hitters, anchored by National Team stalwart Bryan Bagunas who dished out 22 points. Season 78 Rookie of the Year James Natividad added 15 markers.
“Lagi na rin kami naglalaban, killala na rin kami niyan. Ngayon, ang nangyari, yung service namin maganda, nakakaatake kami,” Alinsunurin reflected. “Unang sinabi ko sa kanila, yung serve namin. Then next, yung opensa namin. Pinuntahan namin kung sino ‘di makablock sa kabila.
“Malaking bagay sa amin to lalo na pagdating sa second round. Lalo na pagnakaharap namin Ateneo, di na magda-doubt players ko,” he furthered.
The Bulldogs stayed close with best blocking team in the league, matching FEU’s 11 rejections with 10 of their own. NU gained a huge advantage in spiking, tallying 56 to FEU’s 42.
The Bulldogs (5-1) take on the UP Fighting Maroons (2-4) toon Sunday at the FilOil Flying V Centre to end the first round.
JP Bugaoan anchored the Tamaraws with 14 points while Jude Garcia added 13.
The Tamaraws (5-1) try to recover from their lone loss of the season against the skidding UST Tiger Spikers (3-3) on Saturday also at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
NU (3) – Bagunas 22, Natividad 15, Ismail 11, Saura 11, Malabunga 9, Ancheta 0, Dayandante 0, Gampong 0, Marcos (L)
FEU (1) – Bugaoan 14, Garcia 13, Paler 7, Solis 7, Quiel 5, Dablo 3, Bautista 2, Suarez 2, Hadlocon 0, Silang 0, Marmeto (L)
