MANILA – National University ended Far Eastern University’s strong run in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament after a dramatic five-set victory, 28-26, 17-25, 24-26, 25-11, 15-8, at Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday.
The Bulldogs were powered by Leo Ordiales and Michaelo Buddin, whose combined efforts propelled NU past the defending champions. Ordiales finished with 30 points, while Buddin tallied 25 points, each contributing three blocks and three aces in the two-hour, 15-minute contest.
“Our team was overthinking earlier, but in the last two sets we focused on our system, and it worked perfectly,” said Ordiales.
Jade Alex Disquitado added 12 points, including six in the fifth set, and also contributed 33 excellent receptions and seven digs. Coach Dante Alinsunurin highlighted Buddin’s composure as a deciding factor: “It was a well-fought game, but patience and consistency turned the tide for NU.”
Libero Jimwell Gapultos recorded 12 receptions and 11 digs, while Greg Agustus Luis Ancheta orchestrated the attack with 34 excellent sets and three blocks.
With this win, NU moves to a 7-2 record, trailing FEU (8-1), and will meet Ateneo de Manila University at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on March 28.
For FEU, Mikko Espartero had 22 points and 21 excellent receptions, while Dryx Saavedra and Lirick Mendoza contributed 18 and 10 points.
Elsewhere, University of the Philippines ended its five-game skid by defeating University of the East, 25-22, 23-25, 25-23, 25-20. Olayemi Raheem led UP with 20 points, while Tommy Castrodes added 15 points, 13 receptions, and seven digs, improving the Fighting Maroons’ record to 3-6.
Standings in the UAAP men’s volleyball now have NU second at 7-2, UST third at 5-3, Ateneo and La Salle tied at 4-4, Adamson sixth at 2-6, and UE last at 1-8.
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