NU Bulldogs during a game against UP Fighting Maroons in UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball.–UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion National University is still searching for a “clean win” despite bouncing back with a 23-25, 25-14, 25-20, 25-23 win over the University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Licking the wounds of their tough four-set loss to La Salle on Sunday, the Bulldogs dropped the first set to the Fighting Maroons after Olayemi Raheem and Dan Nicolas broke a tie at 23-all to draw first blood.
NU got its act together in the next two sets to take a 2-1 lead but needed to erase an 18-20 deficit. But Leo Ordiales came to the rescue, nailing the timely hits to deny UP’s attempt to force a decider.
READ: UAAP men’s volleyball: FEU improves to 8-0, La Salle downs NU
FINAL: NU (7-2) vents its ire on UP (2-7), bouncing back with a 23-25, 25-14, 25-20, 25-23 win. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/bVxSjgKq2A
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 26, 2025
The four-time defending champion improved to a 7-2 record in second place, marking its 13th consecutive win over UP dating back to a second-round triumph in Season 78 on March 20, 2016.
But coach Dante Alinsunurin is still looking for NU’s dominant form.
“Based on our performance in past games, we’ve always been playing catch-up in every match. We haven’t had a clean victory yet—my players really have to work hard to establish our game,” said Alinsunurin in Filipino. “As I always say, no matter the situation, at least we’re still winning. Whatever challenges we face each game, at least we’re being tested.”
READ: UAAP: NU holds off UST, gets big lift from Jade Disquitado
Jade Disquitado led the Bulldogs with 22 points and 20 excellent receptions. Aringo chipped in 19 points, while Buds Buddin tallied 17 points, 11 excellent receptions, and nine excellent digs.
“We just focused on our blocking and passing. We talked among ourselves and reminded each other not to rush the game because when we do, we tend to make more mistakes. We just stayed composed,” said Disquitado.
UP dropped to a 2-7 record despite the 26-point explosion of Raheem.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
