NU locks in postseason berth in men's volleyball

c/o UAAP Media Team

Games on Saturday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum

9 a.m. - UE vs UST (Men)
11 a.m. - AdU vs FEU (Men)
1 p.m. - UE vs UST (Women)
3 p.m. - AdU vs FEU (Women)

NATIONAL University secured the second Final Four ticket in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament with a dominant 25-21, 25-17, 25-16 sweep of last-place University of the East on Wednesday morning at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

After cruising to their fourth consecutive win, the five-peat seeking Bulldogs improved to a 10-2 card to secure a return to the Final Four for the 10th consecutive season since Season 75.

The win also allowed NU to reaffirm its dominance over an also-ran UE squad, winning its 23rd straight game over the Red Warriors since a second round win in Season 73 last 2011.

“Thankful ako sa naging performance namin today. Nadominate namin yung laro at nadictate namin yung tempo. Naging factor talaga yung blockings namin today. We’ll continue lang yung ginagawa namin everyday heading into the Final Four,” Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin said.

“Sa nagiging resulta ng bawat game namin, nabubuhayan na ulit yung mindset ng mga player namin sa bawat laro. Hindi lang sa skills, kundi sa kundisyon ng bawat player ko na nakikita ko, nandoon na sa gusto namin,” he added.

In the third set, UE remained within striking distance at 13-10, but Congolese middle blocker Obed Mukaba uncorked a personal 3-0 run -- built on two consecutive blocks and a quick attack -- to give NU a comfortable 16-10 lead.

That proved to be all the cushion that the Bulldogs needed as two straight attacks by Leo Ordiales, an off-the-block hit from Jade Disquitado, a Shan Camaymayan attack error, and a quick attack from Mukaba to seal the 74-minute win.

Despite being marred by 11 errors in the first set, the Bulldogs found their footing in the second frame, turning a slim 12-11 lead to a 20-14 cushion to build a 2-0 set advantage.

Michaelo Buddin fueled NU’s triumph with 15 points on 13 attacks with seven excellent digs and nine excellent receptions, while Mukaba provided ample support with 14 points on a game-high seven blocks and seven attacks.

Ordiales added 12 points on 11 attacks, while team captain Leo Aringo tallied eight points on seven attacks with 17 excellent receptions and seven excellent digs.

Greg Ancheta orchestrated the Bulldogs’ offense with 23 excellent sets and one ace.

NU aims to secure a twice-to-beat incentive when it clashes against Ateneo de Manila University on Sunday, April 13, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Meanwhile, the drought continued for the Red Warriors as they stumbled to their 12th consecutive defeat in as many Season 87 matches. This loss also marked UE’s 18th straight loss dating back to its second round opener last season.

Isiah Roca and Raquim Aceron paced UE in the losing effort with 10 points each, while Axel Defeo chipped in five points.

Rookie hitter Roy Piojo was limited to two points on 2-of-19 attack efficiency in the loss.

The Red Warriors will next face the University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers on Saturday, April 12, at the same Cubao venue.