Rwenzmel Taguibolos (No. 12) of National University tries to score against Brian Castro (No. 23) of Ateneo de Manila University during the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday (Feb. 19, 2025). The Bulldogs won, 23-25, 26-24, 27-25, 29-27. (UAAP photo)
National University (NU) showcased resilience and composure to outlast Ateneo de Manila University in a gripping four-set battle, 23-25, 26-24, 27-25, 29-27, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Despite dropping the opening set, the Bulldogs capitalized on crucial errors by the Blue Eagles. They delivered a well-balanced offensive attack to secure their second straight victory of the season.
NU looked to have the upper hand in the fourth set after a strong 7-1 run, which put them ahead 18-15. However, Ateneo fought back and forced a deuce at 24-all after NU’s Obed Mukaba committed a service error.
Leo Ordiales powered the Bulldogs ahead with a decisive spike, 28-27, before Ateneo’s Kennedy Batas sealed NU’s win with a back-row attack error.
Ordiales finished with 14 points, including 13 attacks, while Rwenzmel Taguibolos contributed 13 points off seven attacks and six blocks. Mukaba, NU’s Congolese middle blocker, added 10 points, highlighted by four blocks and four service aces.
Steady playmaking and defensive efforts propel NU
Greg Ancheta orchestrated NU’s offense with 18 excellent sets, while libero Jimwell Gapultos played a vital role in the back row with 18 excellent receptions and four digs.
NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin praised his team’s perseverance.
“I’m thankful for our performance, even if it was a tough match. Ateneo really worked on their game plan, and we had to fight for our rhythm. Fortunately, we found it in the latter sets. The important thing is to learn from the challenges,” said Alinsunurin.
The victory extended NU’s dominance over Ateneo, marking their 10th straight win against the Blue Eagles dating back to April 15, 2018, in UAAP Season 80.
Ateneo’s gallant stand falls short
Batas led Ateneo’s offense with a game-high 21 points, while Jian Salarzon and Brian Castro contributed 12 points each. Setter Lorenzo Gutierrez tallied 19 excellent sets and five points, while team captain Lance de Castro provided defensive stability with eight excellent digs.
Despite commanding a 24-20 lead in the third set, the Blue Eagles could not close it out, allowing NU to rally and seize momentum.
This loss marked Ateneo’s first under new head coach Vince Mangulabnan, a former NU setter, as they seek to regroup for their next assignment.
NU aims to build on its winning streak, while Ateneo aims to bounce back from this hard-fought setback.