By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Negrense Leo Ordiales and Michaelo Buddin each unleashed 26 points to propel the National University (NU) Bulldogs into the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Final 4, edging out the Adamson University Soaring Falcons in a thrilling five-set match, 23-25, 25-20, 21-25, 25-21, 15-8, at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Now riding a four-match winning streak, the Bulldogs improved their record to 9-2, securing their 11th consecutive postseason appearance since Season 75 (2012-2013), which has yielded seven championships.
It was Ordiales who ensured the Bulldogs avoided a collapse against the Soaring Falcons, who fell out of Final 4 contention with a 2-9 record.
The 6-foot-6 opposite spiker contributed six points in the fifth set, including three in a 9-0 finishing run that turned a 6-8 deficit into a decisive win.
Team captain Peng Taguibolos added two points during that stretch, while Greg Ancheta and Buddin contributed one point each.
Leo Coguimbal also committed two errors that aided NU’s cause.
Ordiales finished with 26 points on 20 spikes and six blocks, while Buddin recorded 26 points via 19 attacks, four blocks and three aces, along with 14 excellent receptions.
Richard Besorio led the Soaring Falcons with 17 points and 15 excellent receptions, while Coguimbal also reached double digits with 13 points.
Meanwhile, the UST Golden Spikers eliminated the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors from postseason contention with a 22-25, 25-15, 25-19, 25-23 victory in the men’s volleyball.
After stumbling in the first set, the Golden Spikers rallied behind two-time MVP Josh Ybañez, who produced 25 points on 21-of-39 attacks, two blocks and two aces, alongside six excellent receptions and five excellent digs.
Joncriz Ayco contributed 12 points on 11 attacks, while middle blocker Trevor Valera added 11 points.
Joshua Avila stepped up, delivering 19 excellent sets and adding three points on two attacks and one block.
For the Red Warriors, their quest for an elusive Final 4 spot ended, dropping to a 2-9 record with three games remaining in the eliminations.
Raquim Aceron led UE with 17 points and Roy Piojo added 13 points./ASC, WDJ