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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Volleyball devider Bulldogs rout UE, clinch semis seat; NU belles bounce back

Bulldogs rout UE, clinch semis seat; NU belles bounce back

Published Apr 9, 2025 07:29 am

At A Glance

  • National University flexed its might over slumping University of the East with a 25-21, 25-17, 25-16 victory to secure the second Final Four berth in UAAP Season 87 men's volleyball at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Wednesday, April 9.

National University flexed its might over slumping University of the East with a 25-21, 25-17, 25-16 victory to secure the second Final Four berth in UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Wednesday, April 9.

UAAP S87 Volleyball - Obed Mukaba-1621.jpg
OBED MUKABA scores for National University. (UAAP Images)

The five-peat-seeking Bulldogs overpowered the struggling Warriors to extend their winning run to four games and improve their win-loss record to 10-2 for a 10th straight Final Four appearance.

Buds Buddin led NU after unleashing 15 points off 13 attacks, one block and once ace, while Obed Mukaba also starred with seven blocks on top of six kills and one ace to finish with 14 points.

Leo Ordiales and Leo Oringo also contributed for the Bulldogs as they combined for 20 points while Greg Ancheta posted 23 excellent sets.

Raquim Aceron and Isaiah Roca registered 10 points each in a losing effort for UE, who skidded to its 12th straight defeat.

Meanwhile, league-leading FEU bucked a second-set stumble and sent Ateneo on the brink of elimination with a 25-21, 19-25, 25-23, 25-23 win.

The Tamaraws hiked their tally to 11-1 while the Blue Eagles fell to 6-6 that put their Final Four bid in peril.

Amet Bituin shone for FEU with 17 points while Lirick Mendoza, Zhydryx Saavedra, and Mikko Espartero backed him up with 12, 11, and 10 points, respectively.

Amil Pacinio Jr. fired 21 points, while Ken Batas and Jian Salarzon conspired for 22 points in a losing effort for the Blue Eagles.

In women’s play, the NU Lady Bulldogs cruised to a 25-8, 25-22, 25-12 win over also-ran UE Lady Warriors for a 10-2 mark.

Alyssa Solomon’s absence was hardly felt with two-time MVP Bella Belen bannering the crew anew with 16 points built on 14 attacks and two aces, as well as 13 digs and eight receptions.

The win somehow gave NU the needed morale boost after a shocking loss to Adamson last weekend, while also tightening its hold of the top spot ahead of fellow semifinalist De La Salle (8-3).

“Good thing nakabawi [ngayon] ‘yong team, kasi medyo masakit sa part namin last game which is natalo kami,” said Belen. “Lagi ko lang ni-remind ‘yong team dapat ‘yong mga susunod na game namin ‘yong performance dapat mataas.”

NU coach Sherwin Meneses shuffled his lineup and utilized his second stringers with Aisha Bello and Celine Marsh conspiring for 16 points. Lams Lamina, for her part, continued her playmaking prowess and had 18 excellent sets.

Khy Cepada and Van Bangayan had six points apiece for UE, who suffered its 12th loss in as many games.

Related Tags

University of the East NU Bulldogs NU Lady Bulldogs UAAP Bella Belen
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