UAAP men’s volleyball: NU ends top seed FEU’s win streak
NU Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — National University ended No.1 seed Far Eastern University’s eight-game winning streak with a 25-22, 25-21, 25-20 victory to secure at least a playoff for the last twice-to-beat bonus in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball Final Four on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Bulldogs leaned on Owa Retamar’s stellar game of 17 excellent sets and five blocks to finish with eight points and Michaelo Buddin’s best game of the season so far with 17 points built on 15-of-27 attacks, one block, and an ace on top of 11 excellent receptions.
NU completed an elimination round sweep of FEU to improve to an 11-3 record. The latter finished with a 12-2 card before heading to the Final Four against the No.4 University of Santo Tomas on May 4.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball second round
The Bulldogs battle the De La Salle Green Spikers in the Final Four. La Salle will try to force a playoff for the twice-to-beat bonus when it battles UST on Sunday.
“We’re happy with our performance. We have to keep on working regardless of the result of the last elimination round game,” said NU coach Dante Alinsunurin.
Nico Almendras was also instrumental for the Bulldogs with 15 points. Leo Aringo had 11 points, while Gerard Diao and Peng Taguibolos added nine and eight points, respectively.
FEU banked on JJ Javelona, the lone Tamaraw to score in double digits with 13 points and five receptions. Andrei Delicana and Dryx Saavedra were limited to eight points apiece.
NU coach Dante Alinsunurin with Owa Retamar. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net
Meanwhile, Jian Salarzon delivered 21 points, nine excellent receptions, and seven digs to end Ateneo’s season with a rousing 25-22, 25-21, 25-17 win over Adamson.
Ken Batas also stepped up with 12 points and eight digs to help the Blue Eagles’ final game, finishing the year at fifth place with a 7-7 record. Jettlee Gopio had eight points in his swan song, while Amil Pacinio protected the floor with 17 receptions and nine digs on top of four points.
“Our season is full of ups and downs, especially during the first round. It was an emotional rollercoaster for the whole team. In general, we’re short by a win or two,” said Ateneo coach Timmy Sto. Tomas. “Hopefully by next year, we will bounce back and make it to the Final Four.”
Gopio, Cyrus De Guzman, and James Licauco have played their final game in the collegiate ranks, while Ateneo captain-libero Lance De Castro is still pondering whether he’ll return next year.
Adamson finished the season with a 4-10 record in sixth place with Jude Aguilar having 12 points. Marc Paulino and Joel Menor added nine and seven points. Francis Casas played his final game for the Soaring Falcons.
