Reigning four-time champion National University completed its elimination-round sweep of last season’s finals rival University of Santo Tomas, 25-22, 20-25, 25-22, 25-22, to build momentum heading into the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Final Four on Sunday, April 27, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
With their sixth consecutive win, the Bulldogs wrapped up the preliminaries in second place with a 12-2 record, setting up a semifinals clash against the same team they battled in the last two Finals series.
Clashing in the other semis pairing are No. 1 seed Far Eastern University and La Salle.
Despite missing key hitter Michaelo Buddin due to a right ankle sprain, NU managed to overcome UST for the fourth straight time, following their sweep of the Golden Spikers in the Season 86 Finals and their four-set victory in their first-round matchup last March 16.
Back-to-back attacks from two-time MVP Josh Ybañez pulled UST within one, 20-19, but a quick hit from Choi Diao, a crucial reception error from rookie libero Edriel Alabar, and a block by Jade Disquitado gave NU a 23-19 cushion.
Ybañez paced UST in the losing effort with 20 points, 24 excellent receptions, and six excellent digs, while rookie hitter JJ Macam and De la Noche added 11 points each.
Disquitado stepped up for the injured Buddin with 23 points on 22-of-38 attack efficiency with 16 excellent receptions and six excellent digs, while Leo Ordiales provided 15 points on 12 attacks and three blocks. In the other game, rookie Tommy Castrodes showed nerves of steel against his high school alma mater, towing University of the Philippines to a thrilling reverse sweep against Adamson University, 21-25, 19-25, 25-11, 25-12, 15-12.
With the come-from-behind triumph, the Fighting Maroons finished the season with a 4-10 card — a two-win improvement from a 2-12 slate they posted in Season 86.
