By Jean Malanum
MANILA – Defending champion National University (NU) bounced back from a first-set setback and survived University of Santo Tomas (UST), 16-25, 25-20, 25-21, 29-27, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Sunday.
Leo Aringo Jr. led the Bulldogs with 13 points, including four blocks, and seven digs as NU extended its winning streak to four games, closing out the first round with a 6-1 record.
Jade Disquitado chipped in 12 points and 16 receptions while Michaelo Buddin and Peng Taguibolos added 11 and 10 points, respectively for NU, whose only loss of the season came from undefeated Far Eastern University (7-0).
“I’m grateful for my team’s response every time we face challenges. In the first set, we really struggled with our reception, but we stayed patient. It was important for us to build momentum and by the second set, things started to go our way,” NU coach Dante Alinsunurin told the media.
With the score tied at 27 in the fourth set, Taguibolos delivered a crucial spike, followed by an Aringo block on Josh Ybañez to seal the victory after one hour and 49 minutes.
UST had more attacks (61-42) but made 39 errors against NU’s 19.
Jenngerard Diao chipped in five points, including two blocks and one ace, while rookie playmaker Jeffe Gallego Jr. tallied 21 excellent sets and four points, effectively orchestrating NU’s offense.
Ybañez led UST with 17 points while Jay Rack Dela Noche scored 16 points, all from attacks. Jan Julian Macam contributed 15 points and Trevor Valera added 10, including six blocks.
UST shares third place with Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University at 4-3. (PNA)
