By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The National University (NU) Bulldogs renewed their mastery over the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Spikers with a 25-22, 20-25, 25-22, 25-22 victory in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, April 27.
With their sixth consecutive win, the reigning champions, the Bulldogs, wrapped up the preliminaries in second place with a 12-2 record, setting up a semifinals clash against the same team they battled in the last two finals series.
Despite missing key hitter Michaelo Buddin due to a right ankle sprain, NU managed to overcome UST for the fourth straight time, two in the UAAP Season 86 finals and two in this season’s double-round eliminations.
“Kahit na no bearing na ‘yung game, sinabi ko sa mga players ko na dapat i-mindset namin na manalo pa rin kasi ‘yung magiging panalo namin, madadala namin sa Final Four,” Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin said after the game.
Negrense Leo Ordiales provided 15 points on 12 attacks and three blocks, while Jade Disquitado stepped up for the injured Buddin with 23 points on 22-of-38 attack efficiency with 16 excellent receptions and six excellent digs for NU.
Peng Taguibolos achieved 10 points, while Leo Aringo chipped in eight points to go along with 12 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs.
Greg Ancheta orchestrated NU’s offense with 28 excellent sets, while Jimwell Gapultos showcased his defensive prowess with 14 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs.
Josh Ybañez paced UST with 20 points, 24 excellent receptions and six excellent digs, while JJ Macam and JayRach de la Noche added 11 points each as they finished the eliminations with a 9-5 record.
Meanwhile, the NU Lady Bulldogs showed their force even in a non-bearing game to defeat the UST Golden Tigresses, 23-25, 25-17, 25-18, 22-25,15-9.
Mhicaela Belen starred with a triple-double of 26 points, 17 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions as the Lady Bulldogs concluded the double-round eliminations on top with an 11-2 win-loss slate.
With the outcome, the Golden Tigresses and the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers, both with a 9-5 win-loss slate, will dispute the remaining twice-to-beat incentive at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday, April 30.
The Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, which also has a 9-5 record but has a lower set ratio than UST and DLSU, will end up at the No. 4 spot and will have a twice-to-win disadvantage against NU./ASC, WDJ