By Jean Malanum
MANILA – National University’s championship form was on full display Sunday as it pulled off a 17-25, 25-21, 17-25, 25-14, 15-9 victory that snapped Far Eastern University’s streak in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Leo Ordiales delivered a career-high 19 points, tallying 14 spikes, three blocks,and two aces, raising the five-peat-seeking Bulldogs’ record to 8-2.
The Tamaraws absorbed their first loss in 10 matches.
“We’re very thankful for our situation that even though we were down a set, we tried to get our game back, showing our patience on the court. Leo’s game came out. It’s good that in the end we were able to control it, we were the ones who dictated the tempo and we got the win,” NU coach Dante Alinsunurin said in the post-match interview.
The Bulldogs raced to a 9-2 lead in the fifth set behind Peng Taguibolos, Obed Mukaba, Michaelo Buddin, skipper Leo Aringo and Ordiales.
“It’s just in our mindset because they haven’t lost yet, they’re the ones with the pressure, we don’t have any, so we just did our best and we just followed the system. Then we just need direction so we can get the win,” Ordiales said after the match that lasted two hours and five minutes.
Buddin chipped in 16 points on 11 attacks, three aces and two blocks, along with seven digs and seven receptions, while Aringo added 14 points, 20 receptions and five digs.
Taguibolos had 10 points and Mukaba made six, including three blocks.
NU will try to extend its winning streak to three against Adamson University on April 6, also at the Big Dome.
Dryx Saavedra and Mikko Espartero finished with 20 and 15 points, respectively for FEU.
Meanwhile, University of the Philippines defeated University of the East, 25-21, 25-21, 22-25, 25-21, for fifth place at 3-7.
Olayemi Raheem led the Maroons with 22 points while Tommy Castrodes added 16.
Raquiem Joefe Aceron scored 20 points and 30 receptions, but the Red Warriors remained winless at 0-10. (PNA)
