NorthPort refuses to fold, forces Game 5 with win over Ginebra
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NU Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs register 2-0 start in UAAP campaign
National University battled past Ateneo de Manila University in a tough match, securing a 23-25, 26-24, 27-25, 29-27 win to stay undefeated in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday, February 19, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Bulldogs overcame a four-point deficit in the third set, gaining control and carrying that momentum into the fourth to eventually defeat the determined Blue Eagles.
With the win, NU improved to 2-0 this season, while Ateneo, under new head coach Vince Mangulabnan, fell to a 1-1 record.
Leo Ordiales led the Bulldogs with 14 points, including 13 attacks, while Peng Taguibolos had a standout performance with 13 markers, featuring seven attacks and a game-high six blocks.
Congolese middle blocker Obed Mukaba contributed 10 points, with four blocks, four aces, and two attacks, and last season’s Rookie of the Year Jade Disquitado added seven points in his Season 87 debut.
Greg Ancheta facilitated NU’s offense with 18 excellent sets, while Jimwell Gapultos protected the floor with 18 excellent receptions and four digs.
The five-peat seeking Bulldogs will next face Far Eastern University on Sunday, February 23, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
PHOTO COURTESY: UAAP MEDIA
On the women’s side, the Lady Bulldogs easily defeated the undermanned Blue Eagles, 25-23, 25-19, 25-15, to stay unbeaten in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
The Sherwin Meneses-led team faced a tough challenge in the first set from a Blue Eagles team dealing with season-ending injuries to Zel Tsunashima (broken left shin) and JLo Delos Santos (torn left anterior cruciate ligament or ACL).
Alyssa Solomon led the charge for NU with 12 points built on 10 attacks, one block, and one service ace. Vangie Alinsug chipped in 10, while Bella Belen scored nine markers in the win against the shorthanded Ateneo women’s squad.
NU will aim for a third consecutive victory when they face the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws in a rematch of last season’s Final Four pairing on Sunday, February 23, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
