NU Bulldogs during a game against Adamson Falcons in UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament.–UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Jeffe Gallego provided the much-needed spark as National University survived Adamson, 20-25, 17-25, 25-18, 25-19, 15-12, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Gallego spelled the difference for the Bulldogs, showing maturity beyond years and sparking a crucial third-set rally to stay alive and setting the big plays in the fifth to break a 10-10 tie.
NU pulled away with a 12-10 lead before Adamson cut it down to one after back-to-back points from Jude Aguilar to cut it down to one. Gallego set up Choi Diao for a clutch quick attack, followed by Buds Buddin’s block to reach match point, 14-12.
READ: UAAP men’s volleyball: NU keeps UE winless, UST sweeps Adamson
The four-time defending champion completed its comeback after Aguilar’s error to rise to a 5-1 record ahead of its final rematch against the University of Santo Tomas (4-2) on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“In our recent games, I haven’t been playing much, but I always make sure to stay ready on the bench because I know I’ll be called in. My mindset is that when I get the chance, I’ll give my best and 100 percent to help the team,” said UAAP Season 86 Boys’ Volleyball Finals Most Valuable Player Gallego.
Rookie setter Gallego had 22 excellent sets on top of four points highlighted by four blocks after checking in the second set, coming in for Greg Ancheta.
Buddin led NU with 22 points off 17 attacks, three blocks, and two aces. Jade Disquitado provided the much-needed spark off the bench with 15 points on top of eight excellent receptions and seven excellent receptions, while Aringo had 13 points, 10 excellent receptions, and seven excellent digs.
Peng Taguibolos also scored 13, while libero Jimwell Gapultos protected the floor with 20 excellent receptions and seven digs.
“In the first part of our game, we really struggled with our passes and serves, so we couldn’t execute what we wanted on the court. Thankfully, starting from the third set, we slowly recovered and managed to win the game in the end. At least for us, we were able to improve our skills just in time,” said NU coach Dante Alinsunurin.
Adamson couldn’t sustain its blazing start, only to fall to a 1-5 record despite Aguilar’s 26-point career game.
Mark Paulino fired 19 points on 16 attacks, two blocks, and an ace to go with nine excellent digs and eight excellent receptions. Leo Coguimbal contributed 12 points on six attacks and six blocks, while Ronn Domingo dished out 21 excellent sets with six points.
La Salle’s Noel Kampton.–UAAP PHOTO
Meanwhile, Noel Kampton erupted to 27 points as La Salle took down archrival Ateneo, 20-25, 25-23, 25-21, 25-22, for its third consecutive win and improved to a 4-2 record in fourth place.
Fueled by school pride in their rivalry game, Kampton poured in 23 kills, three blocks, and an ace to rise from a first-set defeat.
READ: UAAP men’s volleyball: UST blanks La Salle
“We’re really motivated to win today because we’re fighting for our pride, our school’s pride. It’s such a big morale boost for us since we beat our rival school,” he said.
Rui Ventura delivered 13 points for the Green Spikers. Vince Maglinao added seven points, six excellent receptions, and four digs. Eco Adajar had 12 excellent sets, while team captain Menard Guerrero made 20 excellent receptions and 17 digs.
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Ken Batas led the Blue Eagles in the losing effort with 22 points on 20 attacks and two aces with 10 excellent receptions and seven excellent digs, while Jian Salarzon delivered 19 points only to fall to a 3-3 record.
