The NU Bulldogs and DLSU Green Spikers powered their way to victories in the UAAP Season 86 men's volleyball tournament on Saturday, March 2.
Defending champion National University continues to gain momentum in the UAAP Season 86 men's volleyball tournament, this time taking down the University of the Philippines in straight sets, 25-20, 25-23, 27-25, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Saturday, March 2.
Down 18-22 in the third set, an error-prone NU came roaring back to tie the game at 22-all. The Bulldogs had 24 errors in the game as compared to UP's 14.
The two teams would go on to exchange attack points, leading to an extended set. But a powerful attack by John Aringo and a kill block by the Bulldogs sealed their third straight win in Season 86.
NU's star setter Joshua Retamar had an incredible all-around game with a career-high 12 points built on three attacks, three blocks, six aces, to go along with 20 excellent sets.
Jade Disquitado and Nico Almedras, meanwhile, had 16 and 14 points, respectively. Louis Gamban had 13 markers for the still-winless Fighting Maroons.
In the second game, the DLSU Green Spikers escaped rival Ateneo Blue Eagles in a five-set thriller, 23-25, 25-17, 25-18, 25-20, 15-11.
After falling short in their comeback bid in the first set, La Salle quickly found their form in the second and third frames led by Vince Maglinao and Noel Kampton.
Ateneo, with their backs against the wall, showed fight in them as the Blue Eagles erupted late in the frame to force a fifth set.
The two teams went back and forth in the fifth set with La Salle managing to distance themselves from Ateneo at 8-4.
The Blue Eagles then would make a run of their own to close the gap at 8-9. But the Green Spikers found their momentum once more after two successful challenges late in the game.
DLSU middle blocker Billie Anima then sealed the victory for La Salle with a quick attack.
JM Ronquillo led the Green Spikers with 20 points on 16 attacks, three blocks, and one service ace, while Vince Maglinao and Noel Kampton combined for 39 markers.
Aimar Okeke, meanwhile, had 19 points for the Blue Eagles.
With the win, La Salle moved to 3-1 in the standings, while Ateneo dropped to 2-2.