By Jean Malanum
MANILA – National University (NU) displayed its brilliant form Saturday to secure its fifth straight crown in the UAAP men’s volleyball tournament.
Leo Ordiales scored 13 points on 10 attacks and three blocks as the Bulldogs pulled off a 25-16, 28-26, 25-23 victory over the Far Eastern University Tamaraws in Game 3 of their title series in front of 14,517 fans inside the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Rwenzmel Taguibolos chipped in 10 points (five attacks and five blocks), Michaelo Buddin had nine attacks and 11 receptions, while Leo Aringo Jr. added nine points (seven attacks and two aces) and 11 receptions for the Bulldogs.
Obed Mukaba scored five points, Jade Disquitado had three points, and Greg Ancheta made 16 excellent sets as NU bagged its seventh title overall.
“I’m very thankful because in this series, this was my most beautiful experience. In Games 1 and 2, it was really tight. Now maybe, our experience in the Finals prevailed,” said Bulldogs head coach and now seven-time champion Dante Alinsunurin after the one-hour-and-30-minute match.
Dryx Saavedra finished with 24 points (21 attacks and three blocks), but it was not good enough to help FEU end its 13-year title drought.
Luis Miguel and Chad Absin contributed eight and six points, respectively, for the Tamaraws, who won Game 1 (22-25, 25-22, 13-25, 25-22, 15-13) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on May 11.
NU pocketed its eighth title this season after also dominating women’s volleyball, women’s basketball, women’s beach volleyball, men’s tennis, men’s badminton, baseball, and women’s taekwondo kyorugi. (PNA)
