Romwel Anzures

The NU Bulldogs in action against the Ateneo Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball. Photo from UAAP Media.

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<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1739939700266IMG_6291.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="The NU Bulldogs in action against the Ateneo Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball. Photo from UAAP Media."/>The NU Bulldogs in action against the Ateneo Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — National University survived a tough stance from Ateneo de Manila University to remain spotless in UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball.</div>The five-peat-seeking Bulldogs edged out a hard-fought 23-25, 26-24, 27-25, 29-27 victory on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. The Dante Alinsunurin-led team clawed their way back from a four-point deficit in the third set, seizing control and carrying that momentum into the fourth to finally overcome the resilient Blue Eagles. With this win, NU extended its dominance over Ateneo, securing its 10th consecutive victory against the Blue Eagles—a streak dating back to their four-set triumph on April 15, 2018, in Season 80. The Bulldogs moved to 2-0 in the young season while handing the Blue Eagles their first loss under new coach Vince Mangulaban to settle for a 1-1 card.  Mangulaban is a former UAAP champion while playing for NU as a setter.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/volleyball/2025/2/18/uaap-national-u-guns-for-2-0-start-vs-ateneo-2225">UAAP: National U guns for 2-0 start vs. Ateneo</a></div>“Thankful ako sa naging performance namin kahit ganito. Sa akin kasi, yung ginawa ng Ateneo sa amin, talagang trinabaho nila kung ano naging game plan nila. Kami talaga yung pinipilit makuha rhythm namin, buti na lang nung latter sets, nakuha na namin. Importante lang is kung ano nagiging challenges ngayon, kailangan natin matuto,” Alinsunurin said. Ateneo started strong in the fourth set, building a 14-11 lead. However, NU responded with a decisive 7-1 surge to grab an 18-15 advantage. The Blue Eagles mounted a last-ditch comeback, with Ken Batas scoring off the block and a crucial service error from NU’s Congolese middle blocker Obed Mukaba leveling the score at 24-all. Tied at 27-all, the Bulldogs found their finishing touch as Leo Ordiales drilled a down-the-line hit before a back row attack error from Batas sealed NU’s second straight victory of the season. Earlier, Ateneo had a commanding 24-20 lead in the third set, but NU refused to back down. Mukaba, Jan Abanilla, and Peng Taguibolos combined forces in a stunning 7-1 rally, flipping the set in NU’s favor and giving them a 2-1 advantage. After dropping the opening frame, the Bulldogs bounced back with a narrow 26-24 win in the second set, capped by a Leo Ordiales crosscourt kill and a crucial block from Mukaba. Despite Ateneo taking the advantage in the attack (45-39) and ace (9-4) department, NU leaned towards its middle blockers to take a commanding 18-11 cushion in the blocking area to axe the victory. Ordiales top-scored for the Bulldogs with 14 points built on 13 attacks, while Taguibolos broke out with 13 points built on seven attacks and a game-high six blocks. Mukaba ended the day with 10 points with four blocks, four aces, and two attacks, while Disquitado chipped in seven points in his Season 87 debut. Greg Ancheta steered NU’s offense with 18 excellent sets, while Jimwell Gapultos steadily held the team’s defensive frontline with 18 excellent receptions and four digs. NU will face Far Eastern University next on Sunday, February 23, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. Batas poured in 21 points (all on attacks) with 21 excellent receptions and three excellent digs in the losing effort, while Jian Salarzon and Castro chipped in 12 points each. Gutierrez tossed 19 excellent sets with five points, while team captain Lance de Castro contributed eight excellent digs. Ateneo, meanwhile, looks to return to its winning ways against neighbor University of the Philippines on the same date and at the same venue.

National University survived a tough stance from Ateneo de Manila University to remain spotless in UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball.

National University survived a tough stance from Ateneo de Manila University to remain spotless in UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball.

UAAP: Bulldogs remain spotless after hard-earned win vs. Blue Eagles

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UAAP: Bulldogs remain spotless after hard-earned win vs. Blue Eagles

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Published Feb 19, 2025 02:00 PM PHT

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