The three-peat-seeking National University Bulldogs opened their UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball campaign with a straight-set win over the De La Salle University Green Spikers, 25-22, 25-22, 25-19. For the latest updates on the tournament, including the full schedule, standings, and results, check out our page on UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball: Schedule, Standings, Results
Leo Aringo and Buds Buddin, the seniors of the Bulldogs delivered 38 points as they took the mantle to lead the team in the fifth consecutive championship. The Bulldogs won the championships since season 80, but the men’s volleyball tournament was not held from seasons 82 to 84 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aside from the Bulldogs’ dominating win against the Green Spikers, here are the things you missed on the opening weekend of the UAAP Volleyball Tournament.
38
National team member Buds Buddin and team captain Leo Aringo proved to be the anchor of the three-peat-seeking National University Bulldogs as they combined for 38 points in the defending champions’ quick 25-22, 25-22, 25-19 win against the De La Salle University Green Spikers.
Aringo delivered 20 points and 15 excellent sets while Buddin had 18 points and 13 excellent receptions. Leo Ordiales, who is also a member of the national team, contributed nine points.
“Siguro sa’kin, ‘yung maturity inside and outside the court. Talagang si coach [Angelo] Frigoni, grabe ‘yung tinuro sa amin na high hands, kung ‘di kaya drop ball lang,” Buddin said after the match, referring to national team head coach Angelo Frigoni.
The National University Bulldogs will next face the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles on Wednesday, February 19, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
1, 14
The defending champions National University Bulldogs only need an hour and 14 minutes to defeat the De La Salle University Green Spikers, 25-22, 25-22, 25-19, at the opening weekend of the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball tournament.
The Bulldogs overpowered the Green Spikers in attack points, delivering 54 successful spikes compared to 30 of the Green Spikers. The Bulldogs also had two more block points as they limited the players of the Green Spikers, with Uriel Mendoza being the lone player to score in double digits.
“Thankful ako sa naging resulta ng panalo namin kasi lahat ng gusto namin mangyari sa loob ng court, nagawa namin. ‘Yung mga adjustment na pwede namin gawin, naka-adjust agad kami. Sobrang thankful din ako sa performance ng players ko kasi team effort talaga. Sana magtuloy-tuloy ito,” NU head coach Dante Alinsunirin said.
The National University Bulldogs will continue their title defense against the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles on Wednesday, February 19, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
25
University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons gained a gem in Olayemi Raheem, who once played for the youth national team of Nigeria. Raheem delivered 25 points built on 24 attacks and a block as he led the team to victory, 19-25, 25-23, 24-26, 25-16, 18-16, against the University of the East Red Warriors.
In the fifth set, with the Fighting Maroons on the edge of winning the game, Raheem scored four clutch hits to reach matchpoint first, 14-13. The Red Warriors tried to seal the game but the Fighting Maroons took advantage of their errors to complete the comeback.
“For me, it’s kind of like a new experience, having a lot of people, drums, and everything, but I never listened to that, I focused on our preparations for the game. The mindset of having to win before going into the game, I was only focused on that and winning. I knew my teammates needed me, and I did my role,” he said.
The Fighting Maroons will next face the Far Eastern University Tamaraws on Wednesday, February 19, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
4
In Far Eastern University Tamaraws’ four-set 20-25, 25-22, 25-16, 25-20 win against last season’s finalist the University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers, four players scored in double digits as they overpower the enemy. All starters fill the gap by the sudden departure of Andrei Delicana, who decided to move abroad.
Mikko Esparto led the team with 19 points built on 16 attacks, two blocks, and an ace. Jelord Talisayan and Zhydryx Saavedra scored 13 points apiece, while Doula Ndongala had 12 markers. Middle blocker Lirick Mendoza almost had a double-digit performance, finishing with nine points.
“Sa FEU kasi, even before, kung ano ‘yung mawawala, hindi hahanapin ng team. Ang gusto namin mangyari, kapay may nawala, may bagong opportunity para sa iba. Laging naka-mindset sa players ‘yun, na ‘wag tayong matakot sa growth ng bata,” head coach Eddison Orcullo said.
The Tamaraws will next face the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons on Wednesday, February 19, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
24
Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles ace player Kennedy Batas exploded for 24 points in his team’s 25-17, 25-19, 22-25, 25-23 win against the Adamson University Soaring Falcons. Batas was all over the stat sheet with 17 attacks, five blocks, and two aces.
Helping Batas in the game were Amil Pacinio with 18 points, Jian Salarzon with 11 points, and Jettlee Gopio with 10. Rookie setter Lorenzo Gutierrez dished out 19 excellent sets and five points, while team captain and graduating senior Lance de Castro manned the defense with 20 excellent receptions and seven excellent digs.
“Marami pa kami kailangan ayusin, lalo na sa upcoming game namin against NU. Itong game na ito kasi nanalo kami dahil sa mga players talaga. Sumunod lang sila sa gusto mangyari ng coaches and nag-adjust sila in-game talaga, na marami kaming hindi nakikita ng mga coaches kaya mas nakikita nila. ‘Yung win na ito, ginusto talaga nila ito,” Ateneo head coach Vince Mangulabnan said after the game.
The Blue Eagles will next face the defending champions National University Bulldogs on Wednesday, February 19, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
