NU, La Salle force three-way tie on top in UAAP men’s volleyball

NU Bulldogs’ Rwenzmel Taguibolos.–UAAP PHOTOO

MANILA, Philippines — National University and La Salle extended their winning streaks to force a three-way tie on top with idle Far Eastern University in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The four-peat-seeking Bulldogs swept winless University of the East Red Warriors, 25-23, 25-13, 25-12, after Rwenzmel Taguibolos’ breakthrough 13-point performance for their fifth straight win.

Taguibolos was perfect in attacking — hitting all five of his attacks — and unleashed a season-high seven blocks to sweep UE in just 69 minutes as NU tied FEU and La Salle with identical 5-1 records.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball first round

“I need to be more consistent so I can continue excelling under the system of coach Dante [Alinsunurin],” said Taguibolos in Filipino after NU’s 17 blocks against UE’s four.

Rookie Jade Disquitado followed his career-high performance of 29 points against FEU with 15 points on 12-of-22 attacks and three blocks. Nico Almendras contributed 14 points, while Joshua Retamar had 21 excellent sets for the Bulldogs.

“Our team played well because they followed the game plan. We’re able to make stops and overcome our errors,” said NU coach Dante Alinsunurin, ahead of their final first-round game against La Salle next Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

UE remained winless in six games with Angelo Reyes leading the way with 11 points.

La Salle Green Spikers’ Vince Maglinao.–UAAP PHOTO

Meanwhile, Vince Maglinao sustained his fine form, dropping 14 points and 10 excellent receptions to lead La Salle past University of the Philippines, 25-23, 25-13, 25-22, for its fourth consecutive win in six games.

“We’re happy because we’ve been seeing the results of our hardships in training. But at the same time, we’re not yet contented,” Maglinao said.

Aside from Maglinao, Noel Kampton also stepped up for the Green Spikers with 13 points. JM Ronquillo contributed 12 points, while Nathaniel Del Pilar had 11 points including three blocks.

“We see to it to win this game convincingly. Not to belittle UP but our team wants to gain as many wins as we can this first round,” said La Salle coach Jose Roque.

UP dropped to 0-5 with no Fighting Maroons scoring in double figures as Jessie Rubin emerged as the top scorer with eight points.