NU Bulldogs’ Rwenzmel Taguibolos, left, and Jade Disquitado.–UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — National University made quick work of Ateneo, 25-22, 25-21, 25-19, to secure a spot in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Rookie middle blocker Rwenzmel Taguibolos led the way with 12 points, delivering an efficient 9-of-13 attacking clip and nailing three blocks to rise to a 9-2 record.
NU’s win also helped idle Far Eastern University (9-1) clinch its spot in the Final Four.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball second round
Taguibolos joined hands with Nico Almendras to put on the finishing touches in the third set. Almendras delivered 10 points and 11 digs. Obed Mukaba and Leo Aringo had nine points each, while Michaelo Buddin chipped in seven points and had 9-of-14 receptions in less than two sets of action.
“This game was important for us because we’re in a situation that we have to win since we’re in a tight battle with other team’s standings,” said NU coach Dante Alinsunurin in Filipino.
“We have to do better in our next games to earn the twice-to-beat advantage.”
Jian Salarzon and Ken Batas carried the Blue Eagles with 15 and 14 points, respectively.
Ateneo slid to a 5-6 record, behind the No.4 seed University of Santo Tomas, which dominated the also-ran University of the Philippines, 25-13, 25-22, 25-21.
READ: Josh Ybanez leads UST rally past NU in UAAP men’s volleyball
Josh Ybañez delivered the goods anew for UST with 23 points on top of 10 excellent receptions and five digs, while GBoy De Vega drilled the finishing blow to finish with 13 points and 11 receptions as the Golden Spikers improved to a 7-4 record.
“We’re getting our rhythm and overcoming our problems from the first round,” said UST deputy coach Ben Mape. “We’re aiming to unleash our best performance because we need to get a good position in the semis.
UP remained winless in 11 games with its 15th straight loss. Angelo Lagando had 12 points, while Jaivee Malabanan added 10 points, nine receptions, and four digs.