By MARK REY MONTEJO
National University flexed its muscles just hard enough but still romped to another straight-set win over the hapless University of the East, 25-21, 25-17, 25-16, to secure the second semis berth in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday, April 9, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
So overpowering were the five-peat seeking Bulldogs, they needed just one set to warm up on the way to their fourth straight win and 10th overall in 12 starts to advance to the next round for the 10th straight time.
The Jhocson-based squad also hiked its winning streak over UE top 23 dating back Season 73 (2011).
“Thankful ako sa naging performance namin today [and] nadominate namin yung laro at nadictate namin yung tempo,” Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin said.
“Naging factor talaga yung blockings namin today. We’ll continue lang yung ginagawa namin everyday heading into the Final Four,” he added.
Buds Buddin stood out for NU after unleashing 15 points off 13 attacks, one block and one ace with seven excellent digs and six excellent receptions. Also starring on both ends was Obed Mukaba who had seven blocks on top of six kills and one ace to finish with 14 points.
Leo Ordiales and Leo Oringo also contributed for the Bulldogs as they combined for 20 points while Greg Ancheta listed 23 excellent sets.
Raquim Aceron and Isaiah Roca registered 10 points each in a losing effort for UE.
Meanwhile, the league-leading Far Eastern University shrugged off a second-set stumble and sent playoff-hopeful Ateneo on brink of elimination, 25-21, 19-25, 25-23, 25-23.
The Tamaraws boosted their tally to 11-1 while the Blue Eagles fell to 6-6, their semis bid now in danger.
Amet Bituin shone brightest for FEU with 17 points while Lirick Mendoza, Zhydryx Saavedra, and Mikko Espartero backed him up with 12, 11, and 10 points, respectively.
Amil Pacinio Jr. (21), Ken Batas (12), and Jian Salarzon (10) tried to breath life to the Blue Eagles’ cause but the Tamaraws were just too strong for them.
In women’s play, the NU Lady Bulldogs cruised to a 25-8, 25-22, 25-12 win over also-ran UE Lady Warriors for a 10-2 mark.
Alyssa Solomon’s absence was hardly felt with two-time MVP Bella Belen bannering the crew anew with 16 points built on 14 attacks and two aces, as well as 13 digs and eight receptions.
The win somehow gave NU the needed morale boost after a shocking loss to Adamson last weekend, while also tightening its hold of the top spot ahead of fellow semifinalist De La Salle (8-3)
NU coach Sherwin Meneses shuffled his lineup and utilized his second stringers with Aisha Bello and Celine Marsh conspiring for 16 points. Lams Lamina, for her part, continued her playmaking prowess and had 18 excellent sets.
Khy Cepada and Van Bangayan had six points apiece for UE, which suffered its 12th loss in as many games.
