The UST Golden Tigresses and NU Bulldogs secured crucial wins in the final week of the UAAP Season 86 women's and men's volleyball elimination rounds after stellar performances from Jonna Perdido and Michaelo Buddin.
University of Santo Tomas’ (UST) Jonna Perdido and National University’s (NU) Michaelo Buddin rose to the occasion for their teams in the crucial final week of the UAAP Season 86 women’s and men’s volleyball elimination rounds.
Perdido played a standout role for the Golden Tigresses, securing a key victory against the defending champions De La Salle Lady Spikers to secure the no. 2 slot and the final twice-to-beat advantage in the women's division.
Similarly, Buddin showcased his prowess for the Bulldogs, helping them earn a playoff for the same incentive in the men's division.
Their exceptional performances were pivotal in securing crucial wins for their teams, leading to Perdido and Buddin to being recognized as the Collegiate Press Corps' UAAP Players of the Week, presented by San Miguel Corporation, for the first time this season from April 24 to 27.
Perdido's contributions were instrumental in UST's victory over La Salle, where she delivered 19 points through 18 attacks and an ace. The Golden Tigresses picked up the last Final Four bonus, concluding the elimination round with a 12-2 record behind the league leader, National U (12-2).
Despite their achievements, there's little time for Perdido and the Golden Tigresses to bask in their success, as they prepare for their upcoming rematch against the Lady Spikers in the Final Four.
With the third-seeded La Salle posing a challenge, UST looks to keep its composure and secure a spot in the Finals without actually relying on the twice-to-beat advantage.
“Para sa akin challenging po sila makalaban kasi nga po defending champion. Yung mindset ko lang is mag-trabaho kasi kailangan ng team and ‘yun po nag-bunga naman and super proud sa teammates,” said Perdido.
Perdido outperformed her teammate Angge Poyos, University of the East rookie Casiey Dongallo, NU’s Alyssa Solomon, and Ateneo’s Lyann de Guzman to clinch the weekly honor supported by minor sponsors Discovery Suites and Jockey.
“Siguro po sa next laban namin is kailangan pa rin namin maging matapang sa laro and kailangan namin mag-communicate inside the court kasi ‘yun yung unang-una na kailangan namin—mag-communicate talaga,” Perdido added.
Buddin, on the other hand, made his first start of the season for the Bulldogs on April 24 following his recovery from a fractured right hand.
Immediately, Buddin wasted no time in leaving his mark on the court as he contributed 17 points and made 11 excellent receptions in a commanding 25-22, 25-21, 25-20 victory over the top-seeded Far Eastern University (FEU), whom they had also defeated earlier in the season.
With this win, the Bulldogs remain in contention for the final twice-to-beat advantage as they vie for the no. 2 spot against the DLSU Green Spikers, who also hold an 11-3 record. Additionally, since they will face each other in the semifinals, their clash essentially becomes a virtual best-of-three series.
Despite the significance of these upcoming matches, Buddin remains focused solely on his team's performance, understanding the challenges that lie ahead.
“Kahit papaano naman, goal ko naman lagi bago ako makabalik ay maka-contribute sa team and pag-butihin ko pa lagi para sa darating na semis, para makuha namin yung goal ng team namin,” said Buddin, banking on the full trust of coach Dante Alinsunurin.
“Based sa performance niya ngayon, siguro yun yung naging missing link namin sa past games namin na kailangan namin talaga yung mindset ni Buddin sa laro,” Alinsunurin added.
Buddin surpassed his teammate Joshua Retamar, La Salle's JM Ronquillo, UP's Louis Gamban, and Ateneo's Jian Salarzon to claim the weekly citation.