NATIONAL University exacted sweet revenge on first-round tormentor Far Eastern University, 25-13, 25-23, 25-18, on Sunday to secure the No. 1 spot in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 81 men's volleyball tournament at the Arena in San Juan.
The Bulldogs lost in straight sets on opening day but made sure to do it right this time, making it 13 straight wins. NU holds a twice-to-beat advantage over No. 4 Adamson (9-5) in the Final Four.
Rookie Nico Almendras scored 19 points on 16 spikes, two blocks and an ace. League top scorer Bryan Bagunas had 16 hits, while James Natividad added 11 markers.
The Bulldogs dominated the Tamaraws in attacking with 45-26 differential.
Redi John Paler was theonly FEU player to score in double digits, delivering 12 points.
FEU finished with a 11-3 record and will have a twice-to-beat edge over No. 3 Ateneo (10-4).
The Blue Eagles claimed the No. 3 seed after beating the Falcons, 25-23, 30-28, 25-19.
Ron Medalla nailed 16 spikers and finished with 17 points, John Rivera also scored 16, all from attacks, and made 21 excellent receptions, while Tony Koyfman added 14 markers.
Ateneo is in the same position as last year, taking on twice-to-beat FEU but it’s their first semis appearance without Marck Espejo.
George Labang Jr. was the lone Falcon to score in double figures with 11 points.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
