By Jean Malanum
MANILA – National University (NU) defeated University of Santo Tomas (UST), 25-23, 25-23, 25-23, Wednesday in the semifinal round of the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Starring Leo Ordiales and Jade Alex Disquitado, the Bulldogs rebounded from last Saturday’s loss to forge a title showdown with Far Eastern University (FEU).
The best-of-three championship series will start on Sunday at 1 p.m., also at the Big Dome.
“Last night, I really had trouble sleeping because I had so many things on my mind. I just kept thinking positively so I wouldn’t have a hard time during the game. I was excited, but I tried to stay calm, and thankfully, I was able to bring out my true game,” Ordiales, who led the Bulldogs with 20 points, said.
Both teams fought hard in the third set, which saw two deadlocks, 21-all and 23-all, but the Bulldogs proved steadier and marched to finals for the 10th straight season.
“I’m really thankful for the win my players gave me. We did a great job. I think we were able to take this game because of our careful planning on what needed to be done, especially with the matchups, since that’s where we had trouble in our first game against UST,” NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin said.
Disquitado chipped in 14 points and 11 receptions, while Michaelo Buddin, who returned from a two-game absence due to a right ankle sprain, added seven points and nine receptions.
Josh Ybanez finished with 13 points, 13 receptions, and five excellent digs for UST, which was eliminated by NU for the third consecutive year.
Rey Miguel De Vega capped off his Season 87 stint with 11 points and 16 receptions while Trevor Valera and Jay Rack De La Noche contributed nine and eight points, respectively. (PNA)
