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NU sweeps UP in men’s and women’s volleyball, remains unstoppable
National University (NU) asserted its dominance in the UAAP Season 87 volleyball tournament, securing victories in both the men’s and women’s division against the University of the Philippines (UP) at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, March 9.
After dominating the first two sets, the Bulldogs struggled in the third, allowing UP to build a commanding 12-5 lead and eventually force a fourth set.
However, NU regained control in the final frame, breaking an 18-18 tie with a decisive 4-0 run to defeat the Fighting Maroons, 25-12, 25-15, 15-25, 25-22, improving to a 4-1 record in the men’s tournament.
NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin admitted that unforced errors cost them the third set, saying, “We lost our momentum whenever we gained it.”
He emphasized also the importance of confidence in the fourth set, ensuring the team played with certainty and avoided self-doubt.
Buds Buddin led the charge with 22 points, while Leo Aringo and Leo Ordiales added 16 and 14 markers, respectively.
BUDS BUDDIN
Meanwhile, the Lady Bulldogs stayed unbeaten at 5-0 after a straight-sets win 25-13, 25-23, 25-22. NU had to fend off UP’s comeback attempts in the second and third sets before closing the match in 94 minutes.
Head coach Sherwin Meneses expressed satisfaction with the win but acknowledged the team’s struggles in the latter sets.
“Of course, we’re happy with the victory, but the second and third sets were different situations. We managed to recover from UP’s run,” Meneses said.
He also credited the team’s experience, saying, “Our players are mostly seniors now, so they already know what to do in those situations.”
Alyssa Solomon and Bella Belen powered the team’s fifth straight victory, scoring 16 and 17 points, respectively, while Vange Alinsug contributed 11 markers.
NU’s men’s team will face Adamson next on Wednesday, March 12, while the women’s squad will also take on the Lady Falcons before a Finals rematch with the University of Santo Tomas (UST) to close the first round.
