By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The National University (NU) Bulldogs tightened their grip on a Final 4 berth after outlasting the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 25-21, 25-23, 27-25, in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The Bulldogs improved to 8-2, staying within striking distance of league-leading Far Eastern University Tamaraws (9-1) in the standings.
NU moved closer to securing at least a playoff for a semifinals spot, which they can clinch with a win over Adamson University at the same venue on Easter Sunday, April 5.
The Bulldogs have been consistent in Final 4 since Season 75.
Stepping up in the victory was Negrense Leo Ordiales, who delivered timely contributions and finished with 11 points to support NU’s balanced attack.
Michaelo Buddin led all scorers for the Bulldogs with 19 points, built on 16 spikes, two blocks and an ace, while also chipping in on floor defense.
NU deputy coach Dong dela Cruz emphasized the increasing level of competition in the second round.
“Lahat naman ng team ngayong second round ay nagsi-step up eh, kumbaga tapos na lahat ng adjustments. Lahat talaga lumalakas ngayon, so pinaghahandaan namin [sila] sa training,” said Dela Cruz, who handled coaching duties as head coach Dante Alinsunurin attended to club commitments.
The match’s pivotal moment came in the third set, where Ateneo held an 18-15 lead before NU mounted a late surge.
Contributions from Buddin, Peng Taguibolos and Ateneo miscues allowed the Bulldogs to force a 24-all deadlock.
After Aimar Okeke gave Ateneo a set point, NU responded immediately following a service error by the Blue Eagles.
Jade Disquitado then earned match point for NU with a crosscourt hit before Julio Yu’s attack sailed out, sealing the one-hour-and-25-minute win and snapping Ateneo’s three-game winning streak.
Disquitado added eight points, nine receptions and five digs, while Taguibolos chipped in six points highlighted by four blocks.
Libero Jimwell Gapultos anchored the floor defense with 17 excellent receptions and seven digs.
Okeke paced Ateneo with 19 points on 14 attacks, four blocks and an ace, alongside solid all-around numbers.
The loss dropped the Blue Eagles to 5-5, still in fourth place./ASC, WDJ