San Juan: Defending champion National University defeated University of the Philippines, 23-25, 25-14, 25-20, 25-23, Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. Jade Alex Disquitado scored 22 points on 21 attacks and one block as the Bulldogs maintained solo second place with a record of 7-2.
According to Philippines News Agency, Disquitado emphasized the importance of staying composed throughout the one hour and 51-minute match. "We just focused on our blocking and passing. We talked among ourselves and reminded each other not to rush the game because when we do, we tend to make more mistakes and errors come out," said Disquitado, who also tallied 20 receptions and six digs.
Supporting Disquitado's efforts, Leo Aringo contributed 19 points, while Michaelo Buddin added 17 points, 11 receptions, and nine digs for NU. The Bulldogs were coming off a previous loss to De La Salle University with set scores of 22-25, 27-25, 21-25, 17-25.
Congolese middle blocker Obed Mukaba added 10 points from five attacks, four blocks, and one ace. Peng Taguibolos also chipped in with seven points on five attacks, one block, and one ace. This victory marked NU's 13th consecutive win over the Fighting Maroons since 2016.
NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin commented on the team's performance, noting, "Based on our performance in past games, we've always been playing catch-up in every match. We haven't had a clean victory yet-my players really have to work hard to establish our game." He added, "As I always say, no matter the situation, at least we're still winning. Whatever challenges we face each game, at least we're being tested."
Looking ahead, NU will face unbeaten Far Eastern University on March 30 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
For the Fighting Maroons, Olayemi Raheem finished with 26 points on 24 attacks, one block, and one ace. Angelo Lipata and Daniel Nicolas each scored seven points, Louise Aballe contributed 17 sets and four points, and Nino Bersano recorded 14 digs and 10 receptions. UP, which suffered its seventh loss in nine outings, will next face winless University of the East on Sunday.
