NU secure fourth straight win to conclude its first round

 

c/o UAAP Media Team

Five-peat-seeking National University continued its mastery of University of Santo Tomas, 16-25, 25-20, 25-21, 29-27 win to end the first round of the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament in the second spot on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Bulldogs’ domination went on after winning the Seasons 85 and 86 titles, both via sweep, at the expense of the Golden Spikers. It was also NU's first elimination round victory against UST since Season 85 after being swept in Season 86.

The Bulldogs have extended their winning run to four-straight wins to finish the first round at 6-1.

NU's lone loss of the season came at the hands of Far Eastern University, which completed its first 7-0 sweep in the first round since 2019.

“Pasalamat ako sa response lagi ng team ko na every time na meron kaming challenges sa sitwasyon, first set talaga hirap na hirap kami maka-receive, siguro natiyaga lang namin. Importante lang makakuha kami ng momentum, pagdating ng second set nagtuloy-tuloy yung gusto naming mangyari,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.

("I'm grateful for my team's response every time we face challenges. In the first set, we really struggled with our reception, but we just stayed patient. It was important for us to build momentum, and by the second set, things started to go our way.")

With the Bulldogs nearing the win in the fourth set, 23-20, seldom-used John Catinsag along with rookie JJ Macam teamed up to force a 24-24 deuce.

UST even secured two match points courtesy of Macam and Jay Rack Dela Noche but both were saved by NU and at 27-all, Peng Taguibolos drilled a quick attack before Leo Aringo denied Josh Ybañez’s spike for the Bulldogs’ victory after one hour and 49 minutes.

The Golden Spikers, despite dominating the spiking department (61-42), shot themselves on the foot by committing 39 errors, 20 more than the Bulldogs’ 19, that proved to be one of the deciding factors of the game.  

“Importante sa amin ‘yung gusto naming manalo. Kung ano man ‘yung nagiging challenge sa UST, kasi tinatrabaho talaga namin. Laking tulong din nung unforced errors ng UST para makuha namin yung game,” said Alinsunurin.

("It's important for us that we want to win. Whatever challenges UST is facing, we really work hard for it. UST's unforced errors also helped us a lot in securing the game.")

Rookie playmaker Jeffe Gallego made his second consecutive impressive game with 21 excellent sets and four points, spreading out NU’s offense.

Aringo led the Bulldogs’ attack with 13 points and seven digs while Jade Disquitado, a first-time starter this season, produced 12 points and 16 receptions.

Michaelo Buddin also delivered 11 points, while Taguibolos got 10.

Meanwhile, UST fell to 4-3 at joint-third with Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University.

Ybañez returned to his normal position after being used as a service specialist last game, leading the Golden Spikers with 17 points on 16-of-29 attacks, while Dela Noche backed him up with 16 points.

Macam also contributed 15 points and 12 receptions while Trevor Valera chipped in 10 points including six blocks.