NU retains men’s title; Lady Eagles nip Archers

MANILA, Philippines — National University stayed on top of men’s volleyball for the second straight season even as Ateneo dealt La Salle its first loss in two years in a four-set shocker at the start of the UAAP women’s volleyball championship Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Bulldogs completed their quest for back-to-back titles with a hard-fought 25-22, 21-25, 25-23, 27-25 triumph over Ateneo in Game 2 of the best-of-three men’s title series.

But Ateneo celebrated like champions as well as the Lady Eagles stunned the Lady Archers, 17-25, 25-23, 25-13, 25-20, and moved within two wins of ending La Salle’s three-year reign.

Michelle Morente led with 17 points and Alyssa Valdez and Amy Ahomiro also delivered stellar plays to finish with a combined 32 points for the Lady Eagles, who snapped the Lady Archers’ 30-game winning streak.

Finals MVP Rueben Inaudito scored off a combination play that put the Bulldogs at match point for the third time, 26-25, before an attacking error by Ateneo standout Marck Espejo sealed the NU win.

“In the end, our players didn’t just rely on skills,” said coach Dante Alinsunurin after his Bulldogs completed a 2-0 sweep of the Blue Eagles.

“It was all about who wanted to win because they (Blue Eagles) already know our set plays very well.”

The Blue Eagles, who advanced to the finals for the first time in 34 years, made history anew as Espejo emerged as the first rookie MVP in the sport.

Jan Paglinawan powered NU with 12 kills and three blocks for 15 points. Ruben Baysac and Peter Torres teamed up for 27 points.