NU keeps UE winless in men's volleyball

c/o UAAP Media Team

UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Standings

Team W-L
FEU 3-0
UST 3-1
NU 3-1
Ateneo 2-1
DLSU 1-2
UP 1-2
AdU 1-3
UE 0-4

Games Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena

9 a.m. - DLSU vs UP (Men’s)
11 a.m. - FEU vs Ateneo (Men’s)
1 p.m. - DLSU vs UP (Women’s)
3 p.m. - FEU vs Ateneo (Men’s)

Defending champion National University dug deep to escape the winless University of the East, 25-20, 23-25, 25-23, 25-15 for a bounce back win in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.

Coming off a straight-sets loss to the FEU Tamaraws, the Bulldogs returned to their winning ways despite some struggles to improve to 3-1.

NU moved in a tie with University of Santo Tomas, a 25-18, 25-15, 25-23 winner over Adamson, in second spot.

“Umpisa pa lang kahit nakuha namin ‘yung first set, dama pa rin namin ‘yung nangyari nung last game namin even first practice namin after FEU medyo mabigat. Buti na lang nung fourth set nakita ko na nakabalik na kami kasi ‘yun naman talaga ‘yung gusto namin mangyari sa loob ng court,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.

In the tight third set, Roy Piojo tried to give the Red Warriors a chance with an off-the-block hit to make it 23-24 but Peng Taguibolos emerged with a quick spike as a response to give the Bulldogs a 2-1 set lead.

Then NU finally gained its momentum to dominate UE in the fourth, 25-15, and secure its third win after one hour and 47 minutes.

“Sa susunod gagawin pa namin ‘yung need pa i-improve kasi kita naman sa game kanina, may mga pagkukulang. Start lang ulit kami sa training para punan ‘yung mga pagkukulang,” said Bulldogs captain Leo Aringo, who made 15 points and 24 excellent receptions.

Leo Ordiales top-scored for NU with 18 points on 13 spikes, four blocks, and one ace while Michaelo Buddin produced 16 points, nine receptions, and five digs.

The Bulldogs flexed their towering height over the Red Warriors, dominating the blocking category, 17-4, with Taguibolos getting four blocks.

NU will have a seven-day break before plunging back to action on March 9 against University of the Philippines at the same bayside Pasay arena.

Piojo, a rookie out of Santa Barbara, Iloilo, led the way for the Red Warriors (0-4) with 18 points and seven digs, while Steven Aligayon contributed 15 points.

UE continues its pursuit of the elusive first win on Wednesday against unbeaten FEU also at the MOA Arena.