Four-peat-seseking National University booked its spot in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball Tournament Final Four after dispatching Ateneo de Manila University, 25-22, 25-21, 25-19, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
The Bulldogs, who are now at 9-2, also carried Far Eastern University (9-1) to the post-season, leaving two tickets left.
“Sa ngayon sobrang importante ‘yung game na ito kasi kailangan talaga namin manalo lalo sa sitwasyon ngayon na lahat ng teams sa itaas halos dikit dikit na,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
Jian Salarzon tried to put the Blue Eagles on his back, firing three straight points to pull them within three in the third frame, 18-21, but Nico Almendras and Peng Taguibolos retaliated for the Bulldogs to clinch the win and the spot in the semifinals in one hour and 27 minutes.
First-year middle blocker Taguibolos led the balanced NU attack with 12 points on 9-of-13 attacks to go with three blocks.
Graduating outside spiker Nico Almendras added 10 points and 11 digs, while Obed Mukaba and Leo Aringo each delivered nine points.
Michaelo Buddin in less than two sets of play also contributed seven points and 9-of-14 receptions.
NU will be back on Sunday at the same Pasay venue against De La Salle University.
“Kailangan namin mas pagbutihin pa ‘yung mga next games namin para makuha namin ‘yung twice-to-beat advantage,” said Alinsunurin.
This defeat was also a huge blow to Ateneo’s cause as it fell to 5-6, now two games behind fourth-running University of Santo Tomas at 7-4.
Salarzon paced the Blue Eagles with 15 points and nine receptions, while Ken Batas logged 14 points.
Ateneo will aim to stop its two-game skid on Sunday against the struggling University of the East.
Games Saturday (Ninoy Aquino Stadium)
10 a.m. – AdU vs UP (Men)
12 noon – FEU vs UST (Men)
2 p.m. – AdU vs UP (Women)
4 p.m. – FEU vs UST (Women)