National University swept University of Santo Tomas, 25-22, 25-19, 25-15, to rose atop the 2022 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge Pool A at the Paco Arena on Sunday.
Michaelo Buddin was his usual self for the Bulldogs with 12 points, while Kennry Malinis chalked up 11 points of his own in the game that lasted just 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Nico Almendras tallied seven points and 11 excellent receptions, while Joshua Retamar 14 excellent sets to go with four points.
“Maganda lang talaga ‘yung ginagalaw ng mga bata ngayon,” said NU coach Dante Alinsunurin. “Sobrang importante ‘yung Spikers’ Turf para sa amin, maraming laro, lahat ng club team nakalaban namin.”
Ahead by just three in the third set, 11-8, the Bulldogs went on a 9-3 spurt, with Obed Mukaba, Malinis, and Buddin taking turns, to put the game away.
The Tiger Spikers, who fell to 1-1 in pool play, were spearheaded by Rey De Vega with 11 points built on 10 attacks alongside 20 excellent receptions.
UST will have a week to recover as it will play College of Saint Benilde next Sunday, while NU returns on November 4 against Arellano University.