NU repulses UST, returns to UAAP men’s volleyball finals

NU’s Bryan Bagunas. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

National University went to its sixth straight championship round after dispatching University of Santo Tomas, 25-13, 25-13, 31-29, in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 80 men’s volleyball tournament.

The top seed Bulldogs will wait for the winner of the series between second seed Far Eastern University and third seed Ateneo to determine their opponent in the best-of-three Finals.

Bryan Bagunas put up 29 points to lead NU, which is eyeing its third title after winning back-to-back years in 2013 and 2014.

Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin said their sixth finals appearance is their way of repaying the NU community for the support it has given the team.

“This is for all the support NU has given us, and all our efforts have come to fruition,” said Alinsunurin. “We’re very happy that we were able to get back to our sixth finals.”

NU’s finish in the third, however, was far from its dominant performance in the first two set.

Madzlan Gampong had a chance to finish off the Tiger Spikers but Isaiah Icalina denied him at the top to tie the third set at 24-24.

After several back-and-forth hits, NU got into the all-important 30-29 match point after Bagunas hit it off UST’s blockade.

Bagunas then worked his tail off in the defensive end, rising up to deny Arnold Bautista for the winner.

Jayvee Sumagaysay led UST with 10 points.