MANILA – National University bounced back from a second-set loss to beat University of Santo Tomas, 25-21, 22-25, 25-17, 25-15, and claim its fourth straight UAAP men’s volleyball tournament title on Wednesday.
Michaelo Buddin, Leo Aringo Jr. and Angelo Nicolas Almendras registered double-digit scores for the Bulldogs in the one-hour-and-54-minute match witnessed by 7,089 fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Buddin delivered 28 points, including five blocks; Aringo added 22 points, 18 on attacks; and Almendras had 20 points to go with 17 excellent receptions for NU, which won Game One, 25-17, 26-24, 25-19.
“Sobrang thankful kasi nakita ko na sa mga player ko pagpunta pa lang namin dito na gusto na nilang kunin itong championship (I’m very thankful because I saw from my players that they want to win this championship when we just got here),” head coach Dante Alinsunurin said after NU duplicated the “four-peat” achievement of UST from Season 70 to 73.
Ave Joshua Retamar, who produced 26 excellent sets to go with three points, was named the Finals MVP for the second straight year. In Game One, he had 24 excellent sets and five points.
“Nakaka-proud yung team namin. Nung nag-meeting kami ng team, sinabi ko sa kanila, kapag nag-champion tayo ngayon, magtutuloy-tuloy ‘yan kasi madadala ninyo ‘yung pride ng pagiging champion (I’m proud of our team. When we met with the team, I told them that if we become champions today, it will continue because you will carry the pride of being champion),” said the graduating Retamar.
Back-to-back league MVP Josh Ybañez finished with 24 attacks while Rey Miguel De Vega chipped in 15 spikes for the Golden Spikers, who swept the Bulldogs in the elimination round.
It was a double victory for NU, which also took the women’s title over UST, 25-23, 23-25, 27-25, 25-16.
Alyssa Jae Solomon had 20 attacks, four blocks and three aces for the Lady Bulldogs, who triumphed again after claiming the crown in Seasons 16, 19, and 84. (PNA)
