Bulldogs sweep Tamaraws to enhance semis bonus chances

MANILA, Philippines -- The National University Bulldogs secured a massive win in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament after sweeping the top-seeded Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 25-22, 25-21, 25-20 Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Bulldogs are now assured of at least a playoff for the twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals, as they rose to 11-3 to end the elimination round of the tourney. They are currently ahead of the third-seeded La Salle Green Spikers, who are holding a 10-3 slate.

Buds Buddin and Nico Almendras led the defending champions with 17 and 15 markers, respectively.

Trailing late in the third set, the Tamaraws cut the lead to two, 18-20, with a net touch.

Almendras, then, retaliated with a kill, followed by a block on Dryx Saavedra to help NU go up by four 22-18.

A service error by Joshua Retamar kept FEU in the match, 19-22.

However, the Bulldogs were just too much, as the set, and the contest, ended with a block by Choi Diao on Lirick Mendoza.

Leo Aringo chipped in 11 markers, while Retamar had eight points and 17 excellent sets.

Jayjay Javelona was the only FEU player in double figures with 13 points.

The Tamaraws ended the eliminations with a 12-2 slate.

Earlier in the day, the Ateneo Blue Eagles ended their campaign on a high note, sweeping the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 25-22, 25-21, 25-17.

Jian Salarzon soared for the Blue Eagles, finishing with 21 points off of 19 attacks and two blocks. Ken Batas added 12.

Jude Aguilar had 12 points for Adamson, while Marc Paulino backstopped with nine.

Ateneo ended their season with a 7-7 record. Adamson dropped to 4-10.