NATIONAL University (NU) showed too much firepower in clobbering University of Santo Tomads (UST), 25-22, 25-19, 25-15, to notch its second straight-set win in the V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena Sunday.
Michaelo Buddin delivered 12 points while Kennry Malinis chalked up 11 hits to steer the recent Spikers’ Turf champions to another one-sided triumph the way they did over the College of St. Benilde Blazers last Friday.
Nico Almendras tallied seven points and produced 11 excellent receptions, while playmaker Joshua Retamar came through with 14 excellent sets and added four points for the Bulldogs, who wrapped up the Pool A match in 75 minutes.
“The boys are showing cohesiveness,” NU coach Dante Alinsunurin said.
Ahead by just three in the third set at 11-8, the Bulldogs went on a 9-3 run behind Obed Mukaba, Malinis and Buddin to put the game away.
Rey De Vega scored 11 points built on 10 attacks and also had 20 excellent receptions for the Tiger Spikers, who fell to 1-1 after edging the Arellano University Chiefs in five, last Friday.
Far Eastern University (FEU) made short work of San Beda University, 25-17, 25-18, 25-19, to level its card to 1-1 in Pool B.
All but one of the 14-man FEU crew were fielded in the match with skipper Mark Calado scoring eight points and Ariel Cacao producing 16 excellent sets in their bounce-back win after dropping a five-setter to the University of Perpetual Help System DALDA Altas.
Jose Javelona chipped in seven points while France Racaza added six points in a one-set stint for FEU.
“It’s exciting to play here in the V-League because all the teams have really prepared and are very strong,” FEU coach Rey Diaz said. “The players go all out each match.”
The Red Spikers, who slid to 1-2, raced to an 8-6 lead in the third swt but succumbed to the Tamaraws’ blistering 14-5 run that settled the outcome.