UAAP men’s volleyball Finals: NU rallies to steal Game 1 vs FEU
LIVE: UAAP Season 88 volleyball Finals Game 1: FEU vs NU, La Salle vs NU
NU Bulldogs celebrate a point vs FEU Tamaraws in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion National University clinched Game 1 with a come-from-behind 21-25, 25-19, 21-25, 25-20, 15-8 win over Far Eastern University, moving closer to a historic ‘six-peat’ in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball Finals on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Bulldogs built a formidable wall in the fifth set with Buds Buddin and Peng Taguibolos nailing the timely blocks for a 7-1 start before Leo Ordiales and Jade Disquitado pushed it to a 9-3 spread.
FEU responded with Amet Bituin providing the much-needed spark to cut the lead down to three, 9-6.
Leo Ordiales restored the order that led to a 6-2 run, with Taguibolos drilling a big block on Mikko Espartero and scoring the game-winning quick attack.
Jade Disquitado rose to the occasion with 21 points, 20 excellent receptions, and nine digs.
NU Bulldogs’ Jade Disquitado during a game vs FEU Tamaraws in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Ordiales caught fire in the fourth set to help NU force a decider and finished with 22 points. Buddin delivered 20 points, 18 excellent receptions, and seven digs.
“I’m really thankful for our performance. I knew that in a close game like that, we’d have the edge. I told them that as long as they trust each other, we can win,” said NU coach Dante Alinsunurin in Filipino.
‘Our performance improved, especially our passing. The percentage was much better compared to the last time we faced them, which really helped our offense, especially in receive.”
Taguibolos had 12 points off seven kills, four blocks, and an ace, while setter Greg Ancheta had 31 excellent sets.
“I think the biggest difference was the trust within the team. You could really see their trust in Ancheta. That changed everything,” Alinsunurin said. “The players now understand how important Greg is in those situations, and he really delivered. I’m very thankful for his performance, and hopefully he keeps it up.”
In its 11th straight UAAP Finals, NU goes for a sixth consecutive title in Game 2 on Saturday at the same venue.
NU dropped the Finals series opener last year and pulled off the comeback to become the first team in the Final Four era to complete a ‘five peat’.
Dryx Saavedra led FEU with 20 points from 16 kills, two blocks, and two aces. Bituin and Espartero had 14 points each, while Doula Ndongala and Lirick Mendoza added 10 and nine points, respectively.
