Five-time defending champion NU Bulldogs delivered a dominant performance on Wednesday, sweeping the Adamson Falcons, 25-13, 25-18, 25-15, in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.
Clinical Victory by the NU Bulldogs
In each of the three sets, the Bulldogs started within striking distance, holding slim leads at the first technical timeout. However, NU consistently pulled away midway through the frame, often stretching the gap to as much as nine points by the second technical timeout to firmly take control of the match.
“Nakita naman natin ‘yung distribution ng setter kasi lahat naman gumagawa. Thankful ako doon sa performances namin, kasi kung ano ‘yung game plan namin at kung ano ‘yung iniensayo namin, talagang nakikita namin na lumalabas,” said NU Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
“Tatrabahuhin pa namin ‘yung galaw namin kasi kita namin ‘pag maganda ‘yung pasa namin at ‘yung serve namin, talagang medyo nako-control ‘yung laro namin. Mas magpo-focus pa rin kami sa serve and receive namin to make sure ‘pag ‘yung break point namin, ma-control namin and maging kalabasan ng laro.”
Balanced Bulldogs
Leo Ordiales led NU with 16 points built on 11 attacks, 3 blocks, and 2 aces, while Buds Buddin added 15 markers on 12 attacks and 3 aces, along with 10 excellent receptions. Jade Disquitado contributed 11 points, and Obed Mukaba chipped in 7 markers from 5 attacks, 1 block, and 1 ace.
Adamson, meanwhile, had no player in double figures, with Richard Besorio, Jim Ducusin, and Mark Coguimbal tallying six points apiece.
The NU Bulldogs continue their title defense against the FEU Tamaraws on Saturday, February 21, at 11:00 a.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Meanwhile, the Falcons aim to regroup as they face the UE Red Warriors earlier that day at 9:00 a.m. at the same venue.
