PASAY CITY — National University (NU) clinched its third consecutive win in the UAAP Season 86 men's volleyball tournament by defeating the University of the Philippines (UP), with scores of 25-20, 25-23, 27-25, at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Jade Alex Disquitado and Angelo Nicolas Almendras led the Bulldogs with impressive performances, scoring 16 and 14 points respectively. Despite facing a challenging third set, where NU trailed 7-13 and 18-22, the team showcased resilience. Disquitado's consecutive points shifted the momentum in NU's favor, pushing them ahead at 25-24. Although UP's Angelo Lagando managed a crosscourt spike to tie the game, NU's strategic plays, including Leo Aringo Jr.'s down-the-line spike and Jenngerard Diao's block against Lagando, secured the Bulldogs' victory in a match that lasted one hour and 27 minutes.
This win positions NU at 3-1, tying with De La Salle University for second place in the tournament standings. The current leader, Far Eastern University, which remains undefeated, is set to face the University of Santo Tomas (2-1) in an upcoming game.
Key contributions came from NU's captain Joshua Retamar, who delivered an all-around performance with 12 points, six aces, and 20 excellent sets. Louis Gaspar Gamban and Jessie Roland Rubin were the standout players for UP, scoring significant points, but their efforts were not enough to secure a win for the team, which remains winless after four games.
NU's coach, Dante Alinsunurin, expressed gratitude for the win and emphasized the importance of the team's ability to gain momentum and manage the game effectively, even when facing disadvantages. This resilience and strategic gameplay are crucial as NU prepares for its next match against FEU, while UP looks to redeem itself against La Salle on March 10.