Five-time defending champion NU Bulldogs displayed grit and championship poise as they subdued the UST Golden Spikers in a hard-fought straight-sets victory, 25-22, 29-27, 25-19, in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
UST threatened to steal the second set after reaching set point first, but NU showed its composure down the stretch, answering every Golden Spikers rally. Jade Disquitado delivered the crucial point to push the Bulldogs to set point before Obed Mukada shut the door on Sherwin Umandal to clinch the extended frame, 29-27.
NU Showcases Championship Poise
Carrying that momentum into the third set, the Bulldogs continued to neutralize UST’s attacks with disciplined defense and timely conversions to complete the sweep.
“Kahit may pagkukulang kami sa offense at receive, na-control naman namin siya sa blocking namin. ‘Yun ang gusto namin mangyari lagi, na ma-control namin yung blocks,” said Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
“At kahit hindi man kami makakagawa ng maraming blocks, basta marami kaming mataas o marebound sa depensa namin. Sobrang ganda ng naging performance kahit na may mali pa rin.”
All five NU starters, aside from setter Greg Ancheta, contributed to the scoring. Buds Buddin led the way with 16 points built on 11 attacks, 3 blocks, and 2 service aces, while Leo Ordiales added 11 markers.
Disquitado and Mukada chipped in 8 points apiece.
For UST, no player reached double figures as Josh Ybanez, Trevor Valera, and Sherwin Umandal tallied 8 points each. Gboy de Vega, Johncriz Ayco, and JJ Macam combined for 15 markers.
The Bulldogs aim to keep their winning start intact when they take on the Adamson University Soaring Falcons on Wednesday, February 18, at 9 a.m. at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. Meanwhile, the Golden Spikers look to rebound as they face the De La Salle University Green Spikers on Sunday, February 22, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
