By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Negrense Leo Ordiales delivered in crunch time as the defending champion National University (NU) Bulldogs survived a tough challenge from the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, 21-25, 25-19, 21-25, 25-20, 15-8, in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball finals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, May 6.
Ordiales starred for the Bulldogs with 22 points, built on 20 attacks and two blocks, while also contributing four excellent digs to help NU move within one victory of another championship.
Backed by fellow Alas Pilipinas standouts Michaelo Buddin and Jade Disquitado, the Bulldogs leaned on their experience late in the match to overpower the Tamaraws in the deciding fifth set.
NU quickly established control in the final frame, storming to a 7-1 advantage behind solid net defense and FEU miscues.
The Tamaraws managed to trim the gap to 10-7, but the Bulldogs regained momentum through key plays from Peng Taguibolos and Disquitado before sealing the victory in two hours and one minute.
“Pagka-finals na kasi, ‘yung mindset kasi namin ay wala na next week. Kumbaga, ito na ‘yung pinakadulo ng season. ‘Yung mindset namin ay wala ng excuse. Talagang all-out kung all-out,” Ordiales said.
“Ito ‘yung pinaghandaan namin ng isang taon, kaya talagang tsine-cherish namin ‘yung moment,” he added.
The win pushed NU closer to a historic sixth straight UAAP title in the Final 4 era and its eighth championship overall under head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
Disquitado provided all-around production with 21 points, 20 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs, while Buddin added 20 points, highlighted by 17 attacks and three blocks.
Taguibolos also made his presence felt with 12 points, including four blocks, while Obed Mukaba chipped in nine markers.
Setter Greg Ancheta orchestrated the offense with 31 excellent sets, and libero Jimwell Gapultos anchored the defense with 12 excellent receptions and six digs.
Dryx Saavedra led the Tamaraws with 20 points, while Mikko Espartero and Amet Bituin added 14 points apiece.
NU will try to finish the series and complete another championship run in Game 2 at the same venue on Saturday, May 9./ASC, WDJ