National University completed a 14-game sweep of the elimination round with a thrilling 25-11, 28-26, 16-25, 25-23 win over Ateneo and gained outright Finals berth in the UAAP Season 85 men’s volleyball tournament, Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
It was NU’s 8th straight Finals appearance while also extending its amazing streak to 32 games.
“Credit sa mga players ko na talagang tinrabaho namin itong elimination na ito although syempre hindi pa namin natatapos, kailangan pa naming tapusin itong season na ito,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
With the Bulldogs ahead in the fourth set, 21-15, the Blue Eagles came alive and made five straight points to inch within one but NU’s Michaelo Buddin powered his squad to match point, 24-20.
But Ateneo refused to give up the fight easily and rallied to within 24-23 through the efforts of Ken Batas and Jian Salarzon that had Ateneo supporters in frenzied celebration.
Buddin, a rookie with a heart of a veteran, ended it all for Ateneo with a superb play – a down-the-line spike – that elicited a roar of approval from his teammates and followers.
He finished with 19 points, 15 excellent receptions, and nine digs, while Ken Malinis delivered 17 points on 13 attacks and four blocks.
Nico Almendras had 12 points while Joshua Retamar tossed 22 excellent sets along with four points on two spikes and two blocks.
The Blue Eagles dropped to 7-7, their semis bid now in peril.
