NU holds off Ateneo to stay unbeaten

By Anton Roxas Posted Jan 5th 2014

Defending champion National University evaded an upset attempt by Ateneo de Manila University in their first round matchup in the UAAP Season 76 Men’s Volleyball tournament, winning in five grueling sets, 17-25, 25-21, 25-20, 18-25, 15-9 on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at the Arena in San Juan City.

Three Bulldogs scored in double-digits led by fearsome middle spiker Peter Torres who finished with 18 markers. Open spiker Berlin Paglinawan and Team Captain Rueben Inaudito contributed 14 and 13 points respectively.

The Blue Eagles were led by their high flying rookie, Marck Espejo, who scored a game-high 20 points off 17 spikes in a losing effort.

NU remained unbeaten in five games while Ateneo suffered its third defeat against two victories.

In the other match, De La Salle University dominated the University of the East in straight sets, 25-21, 25-16, 25-18 to improve their win-loss record to 2-3. The Red Warriors are still looking for that first win of the season after absorbing their fifth straight defeat.