By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The National University (NU) Bulldogs began the second round of the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball tournament on a high note after blanking the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 25-23, 25-22, 25-16, on March 20, 2024, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
After dropping its very first game of Season 86 against the University of Santo Tomas (UST), the Bulldogs turned it up and are now on a seven-game winning streak.
Nico Almendras was a man on a mission for the Bulldogs after leading them in the first two sets that became a see-saw battle.
Almendras saved NU several times with crucial hits that helped them take the driver’s seat and open up a commanding 2-0 advantage.
The high-flying outside spiker top-scored for the Bulldogs and capped off his stellar second-round performance with 19 points built from 21 successful attacks.
Aside from Almendras, Jade Disquitado also stepped up for NU and contributed 13 big points derived from 15 successful attacks alongside eight excellent receptions and four excellent digs.
After Almendras slowed down, it was Disquitado who grabbed the limelight for NU, especially in that third set where they started to pull away in the match.
Joshua Retamar, NU’s superstar setter, remained consistent with his ball distribution and chalked up 20 excellent sets alongside six points and two service aces.
“Sobrang ganda ng game na first set pa lang naging maganda na yung matchup namin. Nag struggle sa una pero yung ganitong sitwasyon nakuha agad namin sa first set kahit slow start,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
