SCORE. National University's Michaelo Buddin (in blue jersey) scores against Perpetual's Dexter Arrozado (No. 15) during the V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena in Manila on Wednesday (July 31, 2024). The Bulldogs won, 25-21, 22-25, 25-14, 25-22. (Photo courtesy of V-League)
MANILA – National University downed University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, 25-21, 22-25, 25-14, 25-22, at the Paco Arena in Manila on Wednesday.
Michaelo Buddin and Leo Aringo Jr. scored 17 points each for the UAAP champion Bulldogs, who managed to win despite having 43 errors.
“Some of our players are new, they are still gelling. But the system is already there," assistant coach Dong Dela Cruz said after the game.
"We had so many unforced errors. Our errors gave them the momentum."
The reigning NCAA champion Altas rallied from 13-17 to tie the score at 20-all in the fourth set.
But skipper Leo Aringo Jr. came to the rescue, scoring three of NU’s last five points to wrap up the match after one hour and 48 minutes.
Jan Llanfred added 16 points, including four blocks and two aces, for the Bulldogs, who also got 14 points, including seven blocks, from Obed Mukaba.
Kobe Tabuga led Perpetual with 13 attacks, while Jefferson Marapoc chipped in five points.
"It's still a nice game even if we lost. The team learned a lot. They should learn. The most important is that the team got the exposure, might as well with NU. Both teams learned. We will try to get back in our next game," commented Perpetual head coach Sammy Acaylar.
NU will meet Emilio Aguinaldo College on Aug. 4 while Perpetual will face Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Aug. 7.
Meanwhile, Far Eastern University downed the University of Santo Tomas, 32-30, 27-29, 25-17, 25-20, in the other game.
“They just want to fight; they just want to win. I hope this will continue. I always tell them, we have to be thirsty for the game so we have to win every match," FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo said.
Mikko Espartero paced the Tamaraws with 16 points, while Zhydryx Saavedra had 14 points.
Rey Miguel de Vega led the Golden Spikers with 16 points, followed by Jay Rack dela Noche with 13 points, and Edlyn Paul Colinares with 12 points. (PNA)
