By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The National University (NU) Bulldogs strengthened their position in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament after sweeping the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 25-22, 25-23, 25-22, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Negrense Leo Ordiales played a key role in NU’s balanced attack, delivering 11 points as the Bulldogs controlled crucial stretches of the match to secure their third consecutive victory. They now have a 5-1 card.

Jade Disquitado led all NU scorers with 16 points and also contributed 11 excellent receptions. Michaelo Buddin added 12 points along with five excellent digs and five excellent receptions.

Ordiales’ steady scoring provided additional support for the Bulldogs, while Obed Mukaba contributed eight points, including five blocks and three attacks. Setter Greg Ancheta directed the offense efficiently with 20 excellent sets.

Although Ateneo kept the sets close, the Bulldogs remained composed in the closing moments of each frame to complete the straight-sets win in one hour and 26 minutes.

Kennedy Batas, the league’s reigning Most Valuable Player, paced Ateneo with 13 points and 10 excellent receptions. He was the lone Blue Eagle to score in double digits as Ateneo fell to a 2-4 record.

In the other men’s match, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws stayed unbeaten after defeating the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 25-14, 25-22, 28-26, to improve to 6-0.

Amet Bituin led the Tamaraws with 17 points built on 15 attacks and two blocks, while Doula Ndongala added 12 points, highlighted by eight blocks and four attacks./ASC, WDJ