PASAY CITY, Philippines — In a decisive return to form, the National University (NU) men's volleyball team clinched a victory against Ateneo de Manila University with scores of 25-22, 25-15, 25-17, during the UAAP Season 86 tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday. Angelo Almendras led NU with 18 points, while teammate Jade Alex Disquitado contributed significantly with 17 points, including crucial blocks and receptions.
According to Philippines News Agency, the team regained their confidence, which was pivotal in overcoming their opponents after a challenging first set. This match marked a significant rebound for NU following their defeat to the University of Santo Tomas (UST), which ended their impressive 34-match winning streak on February 18. That loss was NU's first since Season 81 in 2019, illustrating the team's longstanding dominance in the league.
With this win, NU now stands alongside Ateneo, De La Salle University, and Adamson University, each holding a 1-1 record in the tournament standings.
In another match, the Adamson University Falcons emerged victorious over the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons with scores of 27-25, 25-15, 25-22. Adamson coach George Pascua highlighted the need for composure after a tumultuous first set, which ultimately led to their win. Jude Christian Aguilar, for the Falcons, played a key role in the victory, executing attacks, blocks, and an ace effectively.
The UP Fighting Maroons faced challenges, according to Louis Gaspar Gamban, who noted the team's fluctuating intensity but affirmed their commitment to strive for better performance in future matches. UP has now faced two consecutive defeats in the tournament.
In the women's division, Adamson secured a win against UP, ending the match with scores of 25-22, 25-22, 28-26. Ishie Lalongisip stood out for Adamson with a strong all-around performance, contributing significantly to the team's success. Despite efforts from Niña Ytang and teammates Jenn Gould and Irah Jaboneta, the UP Fighting Maroons fell to a 0-2 standing.
This weekend's matches not only showcased the competitive spirit and talent within the UAAP volleyball community but also set the stage for the intense battles and potential comebacks in the tournament's upcoming games.