Josh Retamar and the NU Bulldogs against UP in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament.–UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Joshua Retamar led National University to its third straight win after beating University of the Philippines, 25-20, 25-23, 27-25, in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Retamar unleashed his career-high 12 points, half of which came at the service line, and dished out 20 excellent sets to anchor NU’s offense which had three Bulldogs in double figures.
The victory put NU into a second-place tie with La Salle at 3-1.
Rookie Jade Disquitado dropped 16 points and 10 excellent receptions. Nico Almendras had 14 points, while Leo Aringo added 12 points including the clutch attacks in the third set.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball first round
“Thankful pa rin kami na nanalo kami. Pagdating ng third set at least nakakuha kami ng momentum sa ganong sitwasyon, yun yung kinakailangan namin sa mga susunod na game na kahit down kami, nagawa pa rin namin imanage,” said NU coach Dante Alinsunurin after the 81-minute match.
UP remained winless in four games with Louis Gamban and Jessie Rubin leading with 13 and 11 points, respectively.
Meanwhile, La Salle overcame archrival Ateneo in five sets,23-25, 25-17, 25-18, 21-25, 15-11, with Vince Maglinao and JM Ronquillo delivering in the clutch.
La Salle tied NU behind unbeaten Far Eastern University, which holds a 3-0 league lead.
Maglinao powered the Green Spikers with 21 points, 16 receptions, and eight digs, while Ronquillo delivered 20 points.
“Ni-remind ko lang sa teammates ko na ilaban nila yung pride nila kasi rivalry game ito. Ilaban niyo yung pride niyo kung gaano niyo kagusto ipaglaban yung La Salle,” said Ronquillo, who had 16 attacks, three blocks, and an ace.
Noel Kampton was also instrumental with 18 points and 24 receptions.
“I think hindi kami ganon katibay pa talaga as a team pero we’re trying to work it out. Hindi naman namin binabalewala bawat makakaharap namin, talagang we see to it na gagawan namin ng paraan,” said La Salle coach Jose Roque.
La Salle looked primed to end the match in four frames after taking a 19-15 advantage in the fourth, but off-the-bench Amil Pacinio and Aimar Okeke connived to overhaul that deficit for Ateneo, winning 25-21 to extend the game.
Ateneo dropped to a 2-2 record despite Aimar Okeke’s 19 points and 12 receptions. Jian Salarzon and Ken Batas contributed 15 and 12 points, respectively.