The University of the Philippines (UP) and National University (NU) had contrasting fates in the UAAP Season 87 volleyball tournament on Wednesday, March 26, with the Fighting Maroons securing a massive upset in the women’s division while the Bulldogs regained their winning form in the men’s competition.
National University (NU) reaffirmed its dominance in both men’s and women’s volleyball, securing crucial victories over the University of Santo Tomas (UST) to close the first round of the UAAP Season 87 tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, March 16.
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.
