UAAP: NU bounces back but still looking for ‘clean victory’
NU Bulldogs during a game against UP Fighting Maroons in UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball.–UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion National University is still searching for a “clean win” despite bouncing back with a 23-25, 25-14, 25-20, 25-23 win over the University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Licking the wounds of their tough four-set loss to La Salle on Sunday, the Bulldogs dropped the first set to the Fighting Maroons after Olayemi Raheem and Dan Nicolas broke a tie at 23-all to draw first blood.
NU got its act together in the next two sets to take a 2-1 lead but needed to erase an 18-20 deficit. But Leo Ordiales came to the rescue, nailing the timely hits to deny UP’s attempt to force a decider.
READ: UAAP men’s volleyball: FEU improves to 8-0, La Salle downs NU
FINAL: NU (7-2) vents its ire on UP (2-7), bouncing back with a 23-25, 25-14, 25-20, 25-23 win. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/bVxSjgKq2A
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 26, 2025
The four-time defending champion improved to a 7-2 record in second place, marking its 13th consecutive win over UP dating back to a second-round triumph in Season 78 on March 20, 2016.
But coach Dante Alinsunurin is still looking for NU’s dominant form.
“Based on our performance in past games, we’ve always been playing catch-up in every match. We haven’t had a clean victory yet—my players really have to work hard to establish our game,” said Alinsunurin in Filipino. “As I always say, no matter the situation, at least we’re still winning. Whatever challenges we face each game, at least we’re being tested.”
READ: UAAP: NU holds off UST, gets big lift from Jade Disquitado
Jade Disquitado led the Bulldogs with 22 points and 20 excellent receptions. Aringo chipped in 19 points, while Buds Buddin tallied 17 points, 11 excellent receptions, and nine excellent digs.
“We just focused on our blocking and passing. We talked among ourselves and reminded each other not to rush the game because when we do, we tend to make more mistakes. We just stayed composed,” said Disquitado.
UP dropped to a 2-7 record despite the 26-point explosion of Raheem.
Meanwhile, Far Eastern University recovered from a third-set stumble before keeping University of the East winless with a 25-19, 25-17, 23-25, 25-18, to stay as the lone unbeaten team with a clean 9-0 record.
Doula Ndongala led the Tamaraws’ collective effort with 14 points off nine spikes, four blocks, and an ace. Dryx Saavedra and Lirick Mendoza chipped in 13 points, while Mikko Espartero had 12 points and 13 excellent receptions.
“I want to thank my coaches for giving me the opportunity to play. We should not stop despite our undefeated record, we need to focus more this second round,” said the Congolese middle blocker Ndongala.
Ariel Cacao sustained his fine play with 21 excellent sets in three sets played, while Vennie Ceballos protected the floor with 18 receptions and eight digs.
FEU will put its unbeaten run on the line against defending champion NU on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
UE remained winless in nine games with Isaiah Roca and Xjhann Camaymayan leading the way with 15 points each. Raquim Acero added 11 points and 34 excellent receptions.
