By Jean Malanum
MANILA – National University (NU) bagged its sixth straight title after beating Far Eastern University (FEU), 26-24, 25-22, 25-22, in Game 2 of the UAAP men’s volleyball finals at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Saturday.
The Bulldogs collected their eighth title overall — the fourth-best in the division — in the last 11 seasons.
Leo Ordiales led NU with 24 points and was eventually named Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP). He earlier bagged the Best Opposite Spiker award.
“The award is just a bonus because our real goal is to get the six-peat,” the 6-foot-6 Ordiales said after the match.
He also powered NU to a 21-25, 25-19, 21-25, 25-20, 15-8 victory in Game 1 with 22 points on 20 attacks and two blocks.
Jade Disquitado chipped in 13 points, 15 receptions and five digs, while Michaelo Buddin added eight points and 17 receptions.
Team captain Peng Taguibolos had seven points, highlighted by five blocks, and middle blocker Obed Mukaba finished with six points, including an attack that sealed the match in one hour and 28 minutes.
“We didn’t realize we were going to get it because in the first round and second round, we struggled when it came to the eliminations,” NU coach Dante Alinsunurin said.
“I am very thankful that we got this and to my players for the trust they gave us and to the coaches who supported us and the players who were always there,” he added.
Mikko Espartero scored 17 points on 14 attacks, two aces, and a block, while Amet Bituin contributed 10 points and nine receptions for the Tamaraws, who finished second for the second consecutive season.
NU is now 4-0 against FEU in the finals since 2013 (Season 75).
Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas (UST) outside spiker Josh Ybañez secured his third season MVP award.
Ybañez, who missed out on individual awards in Season 87 due to injuries, garnered a league-best 90.192 statistical points to become UST’s first three-time MVP in volleyball.
“Actually, I really didn’t take it as something that would put pressure on me. Instead, this MVP is a motivation for me and a confidence boost to do better and to lead the team in what else I can do next year,” Ybañez said.
“It’s not my goal. I welcome it, but that’s not what I’m chasing. It’s just a bonus that God gave me. Thank you, God. I’m grateful for this, but you know my main goal here in the UAAP,” Ybañez, who also earned his third Best Outside Spiker award in four years, said.
Buddin earned the other Best Outside Spiker award, while De La Salle University’s Issa Ousseini and Mendoza were named Best Middle Blockers.
The other awardees were FEU’s Ariel Cacao (Best Setter) and Vennie Ceballos (Best Libero), and Adamson University’s Richard Besorio (Rookie of the Year). (PNA)
