UAAP: NU bounces back, routs UP in men’s volleyball
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 88 volleyball tournament – second round
NU Bulldogs’ Buds Buddin during a game against UP Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament. –UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion National University jumpstarted its second round with a vengeful 25-19, 25-14, 25-19 sweep of University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
After absorbing a stinging five-set loss to La Salle three days ago, the Bulldogs came out with their dominant championship form, led by the Alas Pilipinas troika of Buds Buddin, Leo Ordiales, and Jade Disquitado, to regain their winning ways in just 65 minutes.
Buddin and Ordiales scored 14 points each, while Disquitado had 13 points, to put the ‘six-peat’-seeking NU back in solo second place with a 6-2 record before its marquee duel against unbeaten Far Eastern University on Sunday.
“A lot of people got upset after the loss—between the coaches and the management—but what was important for us was accepting our mistakes,” said NU coach Dante Alinsunurin.
“The good thing about the situation was that even if there were frustrations, we were open to accepting the loss. Whenever we lose, we try to take it in stride. We just took some time to rest and focus on what we still needed to improve. That’s why the result turned out well, because we accepted that we still had to get better every game.”
Setter Greg Ancheta tossed 25 excellent sets, while Obed Mukaba chipped in nine points.
UP slid to 2-6, as Olayemi Raheem was limited to just 12 points. Tommy Castrodes had nine points and 15 excellent receptions.
FEU stays unbeaten
FEU Tamaraws during a game against UE Red Warriors in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament. –UAAP PHOTO
Meanwhile, FEU bucked a slow start before staying unscathed in eight games with a 19-25, 25-19, 26-24, 25-11 victory over the University of the East
Amet Bituin continued to shine with 15 points and 11 excellent receptions. Dryx Saavedra also scored 15. Lirick Mendoza contributed 12 points on nine attacks, two blocks, and one ace, while Charles Absin added nine points on six attacks and three blocks.
Ariel Cacao delivered 25 excellent sets and three points, while sophomore libero Vennie Ceballos registered 18 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs.
“We weren’t really surprised, because we expected UE to fight. We all know that every team in the UAAP comes in ready to compete, no one shows up thinking they won’t,” said FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo.
“Once you step on the court, it’s always a tough game. Maybe what I’ve been reminding the team is that your mind and emotions can be unpredictable from day to day, but your skills, you can keep working on them, repeat them, and trust the process until you get it right.”
UE was led by Raquim Aceron, who had 21 points and 14 excellent receptions, only to absorb its fifth straight loss with a 1-7 card. Roy Piojo added 15 points with 17 excellent receptions.
