NU Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 85 men’s volleyball tournament. –UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Unbeaten defending champion National University drew inspiration from Bryan Bagunas in sweeping University of the East, 25-16, 25-17, 25-20, for its 12th straight win in the UAAP Season 85 men’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
With the former UAAP MVP and champion Bagunas watching from the stands, Retamar paced the Bulldogs with 22 excellent sets and nailed four blocks, three aces, and two attacks on top of nine points to keep his team unbeaten.
“Thank you because he continues to support us. We know what he wants us to achieve this season so we’re showing him that we’re continuing the winning tradition he left,” said Retamar in Filipino.
“We wanted to play better this time because the last time we fought UE we played in five sets. We wanted to win in straight sets because we knew that we could. It’s good to see that we’re able to apply the things we did in practice, especially in blockings,” he added.
Rookie Michaelo Buddin also shone with 14 points built on 11 attacks, two aces, and a block to go with 10 receptions. Nico Almendras and Ken Malinis added 12 and 10 points, respectively.
NU coach Dante Alinsunurin, who remained unbeaten with a 12-0 record and extended their winning streak to 30 games dating back to Season 81 — Bagunas’ last playing year, was glad to see his former player after winning a title and MVP in Taiwan.
“We’re excited to see him again and we’re thankful to Bryan because he is still here to support us. I hope he won’t stop supporting NU where his career started,” said Alinsunurin in Filipino.
UE fell to the brink of elimination with a 4-8 record as it missed coach Jerome Guhit and Lloyd Josafat for the second straight game due to the Philippine men’s volleyball team’s training camp in Japan, which will end on Sunday.
Giles Torres and Joshua Pozas led the Red Warriors with eight and seven points, respectively.