A clash of streaking teams takes center stage as champion NU battles La Salle, while struggling teams UP and Adamson look to close the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball opening round on a high.
Two teams looking to extend their winning streaks take center stage in the final playdate of the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament’s opening round
Five-time defending champions NU Bulldogs shoot for a fourth straight win in taking on the resurgent DLSU Green Spikers seeking their third consecutive victory.
That is after struggling squads UP Fighting Maroons and the Adamson Soaring Falcons go head-to-head in a showdown of two teams trying to shake off their respective skids.
The NU-La Salle match-up takes place at 11:00 a.m., while the UP-Adamson duel opens the festivities at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 15.
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Both matches will stream live on the Pilipinas Live app.
The Bulldogs head into the matchup riding strong momentum after sweeping Ateneo, 25-22, 25-23, 25-22, to notch their third straight victory and improve to solo second at 5-1 in the team standings.
Jade Disquitado paced National U with 16 points and 11 excellent receptions, while Buds Buddin added 12 points and Leo Ordiales chipped in 11.
Middle blocker Obed Mukaba anchored the defense with five of NU’s nine blocks along with three attacks for eight points, while setter Greg Ancheta orchestrated the offense with 20 excellent sets.
La Salle, meanwhile, finally found its rhythm after a slow start.
The Green Spikers are coming off a 25-21, 25-20, 21-25, 25-20 victory over Adamson, marking the first time this season they have won back-to-back matches.
Cameroonian middle blocker Issa Ousseini delivered a career-best 21 points as rookie setter NJ Bangit also impressed with 33 excellent sets as the Green Spikers followed up their breakthrough win to improve to 2-4 after an 0-4 start.
In the opening match, both UP and Adamson aim to snap their respective losing streaks and head into the second round with some momentum.
The Fighting Maroons absorbed a straight-set loss to the unbeaten FEU Tamaraws in their last outing, marking their third consecutive defeat after opening the season with a 2-1 record.
Olayemi Raheem was held to a season-low 12 points in the loss.
Adamson, for its part, continues to search for answers after dropping a four-set match to La Salle in its previous game.
After winning its season opener against Ateneo, the Soaring Falcons have slipped to a 1-5 record, with Joel Menor leading the team with 18 points in the latest defeat.
(With reports from Pao Ambat)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]