The defending champions National University Bulldogs booked their return trip to the finals after defeating the University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers, 25-23, 25-23, 25-23 in their do-or-die game in the semifinals of the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament.
With the win, the Bulldogs can defend their title for a rare five-peat opportunity as they face the Far Eastern University Tamaraws in the finals.
Here’s everything you missed at the semifinals of the UAAP Season 97 Men’s Volleyball Tournament.
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Leo Ordiales heeded the call of their head coach Dante Alinsunurin as he delivered 20 big points in their straight-set victory against the University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers on Wednesday, May 7.
Ordiales had 19 attack points and a block, while Jade Disquitado contributed 14 points in 13 attacks and a block. Buds Buddin, who missed some of the games due to a sprained ankle, added seven points in one set he played in.
Despite his impressive performance, Ordiales admitted that he wasn’t able to sleep properly the night before the game. He revealed, “Para sa akin kasi kagabi, nahihirapan ako matulog talaga kasi ang dami ko iniisip. Iniisip ko na lang na maging positive lagi para hindi ako mahirapan sa laro. Kumbaga, nae-excite ako pero kinakalmahan ko lang, at buti naman, nailabas ko kung ano ‘yung laro ko talaga.”
For Coach Dante, he was thankful that his players followed the game plan they had for this game. He said, “Sobrang thankful ako sa binigay na panalo sa akin ng players ko. Ang ganda ng ginawa namin. Kaya siguro namin nakuha ‘yung game na ito siguro dahil sa pagplano talaga kung ano dapat ‘yung gawin, especially sa matchups talaga since doon kami nagkaproblema nung first game namin against UST.”
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For the Golden Spikers, Josh Ybañez was limited to just 14 points in 13 attacks and an ace. Gboy de Vega contributed 12 points in 11 attacks and an ace, while Trevor Valera added nine points in seven attacks and two blocks.
After the game, Golden Spikers head coach Odjie Mamon took responsibility as the team settled for bronze this season after taking home the silver medal in the past two seasons.
He said, “I stand by my statement na best lineup ito ng Golden Spikers ever, hindi ko lang na-polish ‘yung potential ng boys to the max. Bitter ako kasi may expectations kami – tinanggal ko ‘yung condition na ‘manage your expectations’, unlike noong two previous years na nag-Finals kami.”
“Start ng program, manage your expectations. This year, wala. Parang play lang para makaabot ulit kami sa Finals and eventually ‘yung championship. Mahirap magsalita kapag talo, e, I don’t want to make any excuses. Pag-uusapan pa namin kung how to close out the season.”
As their Season 87 campaign ended, Mamon set his sights on next season, where the next batch of Golden Spikers will make their debut in the collegiate ranks. Opposite hitter Jay Rack De La Noche is the only Golden Spiker who is unsure if he will return next season.
“I have 26 players in the pool. Sa playing years kasi, lahat ‘yan third playing year, ‘yung matatanda at senior. Pero, may graduating na sa academics, Jay Rack [De La Noche] is one of them, si Jay Rack lang talaga. Pag-uusapan pa namin at pagpa-planuhan pa namin on who to invite back, but definitely, may revamp. ‘Yung recruits namin na galing din sa [UST] boys’ volleyball team,” he ended.
Game one of the finals between the National University Bulldogs and the Far Eastern University Tamaraws will be on Sunday, May 11, 1:00 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum.
