The NU Bulldogs spew errors but still manage to outgun the Ateneo Blue Eagles while the Adamson Falcons also score a victory against the UP Fighting Maroons in the UAAP season 86 men's volleyball tournament on Saturday, Feb. 24
National University bucked an erratic showing as it overpowered Ateneo, 25-22, 25-15, 25-17, to avenge a disappointing opening game loss in the UAAP season 86 men's volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, Feb. 24.
The Bulldogs scattered 30 errors in the 77-minute match but made up for it with their attacks and blocking.
NU thus recovered from a shock 23-25, 24-26, 25-19 loss to University of Santo Tomas last Sunday, Feb. 18, which ended their 34-game winning streak dating back to 2019.
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Nico Almendras and Jade Disquitado combined for 33 of NU's 52 hits as they annihilated the Blue Eagles who only managed 18.
The reigning titlist also flexed their muscle at the net, swatting 10 denials to ADMU's five.
In the first game, Adamson had to ward off University of the Philippines in the first and third sets to complete a 27-25, 25-15, 25-22 sweep and also recover from an opening game setback.
NU improved to 1-1 for a four-way logjam at third with the Falcons, La Salle and conquered foe ADMU.
Adu had to overcome a feisty Fighting Maroons squad in the first set, as UP clawed back to save a set point at 23-24 while posting one of their own at 25-24 on back-to-back attacks by Nikko Bersano.
But the Falcons' Marc Paulino steeled himself to come up with an ace before the Fighting Maroons fell to an error to hand the set to AdU.
The Falcons then dominated in the second before fending off the repeated fightbacks of UP in the third to get the win after bowing to the Green Spikers in their first match last Saturday.
Jude Aguilar led the way for AdU with 14 points built on 10 attacks, three blocks and one ace while Mark Cogumibal added 11 markers.