DEFENDING champions National University rallied from an early deficit to outlast University of Santo Tomas in a thrilling four-set battle, 16-25, 25-20, 25-21, 29-27, during the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday (16 Mar 2025).

Leo Aringo Jr. led NU’s charge with 13 points, including four blocks and seven digs, as the Bulldogs secured their fourth consecutive win and closed the first round with a 6-1 record. Jade Disquitado added 12 points and 16 receptions, while Michaelo Buddin and Peng Taguibolos chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively.

NU overcame a shaky start, struggling with reception in the opening set. However, the Bulldogs regained composure and gradually took control. Coach Dante Alinsunurin praised his team’s resilience, saying, “We had a hard time in the first set, but we stayed patient and built momentum as the game progressed.”

With the fourth set tied at 27-all, Taguibolos fired a crucial spike, followed by an Aringo block on Josh Ybañez to seal the victory after one hour and 49 minutes.

Despite leading in attacks (61-42), UST committed 39 errors compared to NU’s 19. Ybañez paced the Growling Tigers with 17 points, while Jay Rack Dela Noche, Jan Julian Macam, and Trevor Valera contributed 16, 15, and 10 points, respectively.

NU’s only loss in the first round came against undefeated Far Eastern University (7-0), while UST finished tied for third with Ateneo and La Salle at 4-3.

Key Stats:

NU: Aringo (13 pts, 4 blocks, 7 digs), Disquitado (12 pts, 16 receptions), Buddin (11 pts), Taguibolos (10 pts)

UST: Ybañez (17 pts), Dela Noche (16 pts), Macam (15 pts), Valera (10 pts, 6 blocks)

NU looks to carry its momentum into the second round as the UAAP men’s volleyball tournament intensifies.