By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The National University (NU) Bulldogs quickly defeated the Adamson University Falcons, 25-17, 25-16, 25-15, to secure at least a playoff spot for the Final Four in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, April 6.
Negrense Leo Ordiales was among the three double-digit scorers with 11 points for the four-time defending champion Bulldogs, now in solo second place with a 9-2 win-loss slate.
Michaelo Buddin led the Bulldogs with 16 points on 15-of-24 spikes and an ace.
Leo Aringo chipped in a double-double of 12 points and 12 excellent receptions, while Obed Mukaba finished with nine points.
“Personally, I’m very happy because my performance before was not as good as I was expecting,” the Congolese middle blocker said after the game.
“But now, with the help of the coaches, I’m trying to improve. So now, I’m very happy for me and the team,” he added.
Joel Menor paced the Soaring Falcons with seven points, while Leo Coguimbal and Marc Paulino had six points each as they slumped to a 2-9 win-loss slate.
Meanwhile, Dryx Saavedra stepped up for the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws late in the fifth set as they escaped with a 25-19, 25-21, 20-25, 29-31, 15-12 victory over the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.
Saavedra concluded the match with a season-high of 29 points, from 28 attacks and a service ace, as the Tamaraws improved to a 10-1 win-loss record and clinched a Final Four seat.
In the women’s division, the Adamson Lady Falcons pulled off a shocking upset over the NU Lady Bulldogs, 25-23, 15-25, 28-26, 25-22, to keep their Final Four hopes alive.
Rookie Shaina Nitura led the charge with a game-high of 32 points built on 30 attacks and two aces, while also contributing 10 excellent digs and six receptions.
With her all-around performance, Adamson improved to 4-7 in the standings.
The FEU Lady Tamaraws (7-4) overcame a thrilling fourth-set rally from the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons (5-6) for a 25-21, 25-16, 14-25, 26-24 victory.
Faida Bakanke top-scored with 20 points, built on 17 attacks and three blocks./ASC, WDJ