By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The National University (NU) Bulldogs returned to their winning ways with a 23-25, 25-14, 25-20, 25-23 victory over the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Wednesday, March 26.

The fourth set saw both teams locked at 17-all before UP briefly took a 20-18 lead behind a running hit from Angelo Lipata and a crosscourt attack from Nigerian wing spiker Olayemi Raheem.

However, Negrense Leo Ordiales, who was subbed in at 21-22, stepped up with crucial conversions as the Bulldogs bounced back from their stunning loss to the De La Salle University Green Spikers last Sunday, March 23.

Jade Disquitado tallied 22 points on 21 attacks and one block, along with 20 excellent receptions and six excellent digs as the defending champion Bulldogs improved to a 7-2 win-loss slate.

Leo Aringo contributed 19 points, Michaelo Buddin tallied 17 points on 16 attacks and one ace, while Congolese middle blocker Obed Mukaba added 10 points for the Bulldogs.

“Based sa performance namin sa mga past games, lagi kaming naghahabol sa lahat ng game namin,” Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin said in a post-game interview.

“Wala pa kaming malinis na panalo. Talagang pinaghihirapan ng players ko kung paano kami maka-establish ng game,” he said.

“As I always say, no matter the situation, at least we’re still winning,” he added.

Raheem was the lone double-digit scorer for the Fighting Maroons with 26 points on 24 attacks, one block and one ace, along with six excellent digs.

They dropped to a 2-7 record./ASC, WDJ