NU sophomore hitter Jade Disquitado had a personal score to settle with the UST Golden Spikers as the two teams met for the first time in UAAP Season 87.
It’s only the middle of the tournament, but NU’s Jade Disquitado was already able to tick off one of his goals for the year as the Bulldogs beat Finals rival UST Golden Spikers in four sets, 16-25, 25-20, 25-21, 29-27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
After missing out on action for most of their Finals showdown last year, Disquitado finally got his chance to settle the score — especially as UST swept their elimination round series in Season 86.
For Disquitado, it was a chance to prove that he can also lead the team to victory against a team like UST.
“Bawing bawi ako sa kanila kasi hindi pa ko nanalo sa UST simula last year, V-League pa lang, pag ako ginagamit talagang hindi ako nanalo,” said Disquitado.
“Kaya hindi ako pumayag na sila yung manalo ulit sa amin na ako yung naglalaro.”
True enough, Disquitado was all over the place for head coach Dante Alinsunurin after playing sparingly in the first six games of the season.
In an inspired effort against UST, Disquitado finished with 12 points, 16 excellent receptions, and four excellent digs.
It was the perfect support for a balanced team win, which also featured double-digit efforts from Buds Buddin, Leo Aringo, and Peng Taguibolos.
As for who motivated him to get back on track, especially after dealing with a left ankle sprain since their preseason reparations, Disquitado didn’t have to look too far.
“[Motivated ako] sa teammates ko, sa coaches, sa family ko. Sila din naman yung nagpupush sa akin sa ensayo na kaya mo,” he said.
“Sa akin binigay ko lang yung best ko. Sumunod lang ako sa sinasabi ng coaches sinundan lang namin yung sistema and pina-practice namin,” Disquitado added.
Still, the road will be long for Disquitado and the rest of the NU Bulldogs as they aim for a historic five-peat in UAAP Season 87. Midway through the season, they are at 6-1 and are behind currently undefeated FEU at 7-0.
With still the rest of the season to go, NU will attempt to restore order and punch themselves a ticket back into the Final Four and the championship round.