NU sweeps UST

National University (NU) overpowered University of Santo Tomas (UST), 25-21, 25-18, 25-14, yesterday to sweep the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Collegiate Conference men’s championship at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Bulldogs provided a rock-solid net defense to frustrate the Tigers’ spikers, needing only 64 minutes in prevailing in Game 2 of their best-of-three series. They won in Game 1, 21-25, 2523, 25-18, 25-17, over the weekend.

NU’s title win not only eclipsed its fourth-place finish last year but also avenged its bronze-medal loss to the same squad a year ago.

Angelo Almendras and Madzlan Gampong led NU’s tight defense by conspiring for 11 of the team’s 15 blocks to finish with 10 and 11 points, respectively, while Bryan Bagunas sizzled at the attack line with 18 kills for 20 points.

While strengthening on their defense, NU coach Dante Alinsunurin said they also stepped up on their offense anchored on Bagunas.

“We were more focused on our offense on this game. Everytime we get the opportunity to attack, I told my players to go for it,” said Alinsunurin in Filipino.

Genesis Redido and Joshua Umandal teamed up for 21 points for UST, which surpassed its third-place finish last year despite the loss.

Meanwhile, Far Eastern University downed Adamson, 25-21, 17-25, 3028, 25-23, to clinch the bronze medal.

John Paul Bugaoan scored 22 points built on 13 spikes, five blocks and four aces for the Tamaraws while Mark Calado and Raymond Bautista added 12 points each.