National University rode on its Spikers’ Turf championship run and opened its title bid in the 2022 V-League Collegiate Challenge with a 25-15, 25-17, 25-20 sweep of College of Saint Benilde, Saturday morning at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila.
With the score tied at 20 in the third set, the Bulldogs took advantage of the Blazers’ attack errors to end the match on a 5-0 finish with a Nico Almendras spike.
Head coach Dante Alinsunurin took note of this tight third set.
“Maganda naman yung performance namin, although nung third set nga medyo bumaba kasi nga nagpalit ako ng tao, kailangan kong masubukan yung ibang players. Pero bandang huli, nakuha pa rin namin,” the concurrent national men’s team tactician said.
“Siguro kailangan naming pagtrabahuhan pa every game.”
Still, NU dominated the game with Almendras at the forefront with 12 points on nine attacks, two service aces, and a block to go with his six excellent receptions.
Meanwhile, rookie Michaelo Buddin was efficient as well with 10 markers, eight coming from spikes and had seven excellent receptions as well.
No Blazer ended in double-digits in points as Georgie Guani finished with eight points on six attacks to pace his squad, who went down to 0-2.
The Bulldogs will take on fellow UAAP team in University of Santo Tomas next on Sunday at 1 p.m while CSB will also the same team on October 30.
