Defending champion NU Bulldogs moved closer to a semifinals spot after sweeping the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 25-21, 25-23, 27-25, in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
NU asserted control early but had to fend off a late Ateneo surge in the third set to complete the straight-sets victory.
Trailing by two sets, the Blue Eagles found their rhythm and built an 18-15 lead in the third. However, Buds Buddin and Peng Taguibolos sparked a crucial run to tie the frame at 24-all off Ateneo errors.
NU Steps Up in the Face of a Stiff Challenge
Aimar Okeke briefly restored Ateneo’s edge at 25-24, but another net error allowed NU to equalize anew. Jade Disquitado then delivered a crosscourt hit, before Julio Yu sealed the win with an off-speed attack.
“Lahat naman ng team ngayong second round ay nagsi-step up, so hindi puwedeng kampante. Lahat lumalakas ngayon, kaya pinaghahandaan namin sa training,” said NU assistant coach Dong Dela Cruz.
Buddin led the Bulldogs with 19 points built on 16 attacks, 2 blocks, and 1 ace, while Leo Ordiales added 12 points on 9 attacks and 3 blocks. Disquitado and Taguibolos combined for 11 points.
Setter Greg Ancheta orchestrated the offense with 13 excellent sets, while Jimwell Gapultos anchored the floor defense with 17 excellent receptions and 7 excellent digs.
For Ateneo, Okeke was the lone double-digit scorer with 19 points built on 14 attacks, 4 blocks, and 1 ace. Yu added 7 points, while Rodge Alejos and Amil Pacinio chipped in 5 points each.
NU will face the Adamson Soaring Falcons on Easter Sunday, April 5, at 3:00 p.m. at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. Meanwhile, Ateneo returns to action against the UP Fighting Maroons on Wednesday, April 8, at 9:00 a.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
