UAAP: National U opens five-peat bid in men’s volleyball by sweeping La Salle

National University’s Buds Buddin in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — National University opened its bid for a five-peat in UAAP men’s volleyball with a statement victory.

The Bulldogs swept De La Salle University, 25-22, 25-22, 25-19, during their Season 87 opener, Sunday afternoon at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Leo Aringo finished with 20 points — all but one from attacks — with 15 receptions, Buds Buddin followed with 18 points and 13 receptions, while Greg Ancheta tossed 14 excellent sets.

“Thankful ako sa naging resulta ng panalo namin kasi lahat ng gusto namin mangyari sa loob ng court, nagawa namin. Yung mga adjustment na pwede namin gawin, naka-adjust agad kami. Sobrang thankful din ako sa performance ng players ko kasi team effort talaga. Sana magtuloy-tuloy ito,” said Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin.

Already leading two sets to none, Aringo delivered back-to-back crosscourt kills to end NU’s 6-1 run in the third set, turning a slim 10-8 lead into a comfortable 16-9 cushion. Timely hits from Jan Abanilla, Leo Ordiales, Buddin, and Aringo then went on to seal the win, making NU the first team to record a sweep in the men’s division this season.

The Bulldogs asserted their dominance in the attacking department, outgunning La Salle 20-11 in the second set to establish a commanding 2-0 advantage.

La Salle showed resilience in the opening frame, clawing back from an 18-10 deficit to close in at 21-18. However, vital plays from Peng Taguibolos and Aringo secured the first set for NU.

NU’s relentless offense overwhelmed the Green Spikers, tallying 54 total attacks in the 1-hour, 14-minute victory compared to La Salle’s 30.

NU will next face Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday, February 19, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

On the other hand, Yoyong Mendoza was the lone Green Spiker to reach double digits, finishing with 10 points, while Kampton added nine points and nine excellent receptions.

The Green Spikers will aim for their first win against Adamson University on Saturday, February 22, at the same San Juan-based arena.