NU Bulldogs.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion National University needed to recover from a second set loss before taking down Adamson, 25-19, 25-27, 25-21, 25-18, to earn its second straight win in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Bulldogs leaned on the versatile showing of Nico Almendras and Jade Disquitado with the graduating spiker leading the way with 23 points and 19 excellent receptions while the rookie delivered 21 points and 11 receptions.
After losing to the University of Santo Tomas last week, NU forced a four-way tie in the second place with the former, La Salle, and Ateneo, which swept the University of the Philippines, 25-19, 25-16, 25-23, in the second game.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball first round
“We had problems in the second set because we’re too confident. We have to be stronger in those kinds of situations,” said NU coach Dante Alinsunurin in Filipino after his team blew a 21-17 lead in the second set.
Joshua Retamar had 31 excellent sets and scored two blocks to anchor NU’s offense.
“Our team is slowly adjusting since our loss to UST. We’re slowly building our team because we’re too relaxed sometimes. We’re not working hard enough,” said Retamar in Filipino.
NU coach Dante Alinsunurin and Joshua Retamar after their second win in the #UAAPSeason86 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/cJKP2XLp0u
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) February 28, 2024
Adamson slid to a 1-2 record with John Gay leading the way with 13 points. Marc Paulino added 12 points.
Meanwhile, King Mangulabnan was a revelation for Ateneo as he came off the bench with 17 excellent sets to lead the Blue Eagles to their second win in three games.
READ: UAAP volleyball: NU, Adamson log first wins in men’s tilt
Jian Salarzon poured in 18 points. Aimar Okeke chipped in 13 points, while Cyrus De Guzman and Ken Batas rounded out the Blue Eagles’ double-digit scorers with 11 and 10, respectively.
“We’re very happy that we were able to bounce back today coming off a very bad game against NU last time. I’m very happy that everyone stepped up today and everybody did well especially those who came off the bench,” said Ateneo coach Timmy Sto. Tomas.
UP remained winless with Angelo Lagando leading the way with 15 points.