NU thwarts Savio, clinches first win in LBC men's volley

MANILA, Philippines - National U displayed grace under pressure and held off St. Dominic Savio, 25-17, 25-23, 25-23, to bounce back from a loss to Arellano in the first LBC Men’s Volleyball League at the Arellano U gym in Legarda yesterday.

The power-hitting Danilo Ramos blasted his way to a game-high 20 hits he laced with rocket-like 10 kills while Edwin Tolentino added 10 hits, including seven attacks, to help power the Bulldogs to the hard-earned win.

While Ramos and Tolentino took care of the team’s offense, Peter Torres stood out in defense, coming up with nine blocks to underscore NU’s rock-solid net defense.

The Bulldogs thus evened their card to 1-1 after dropping a four-setter to the Arellano Chiefs last Wednesday in the revival of the men’s volley league sponsored by LBC Hari ng Padala.

In juniors’ action, Angeles U Foundation and Mayamot National High School pulled off contrasting results in this tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza, Toby’s Sports, Dunkin’ Donuts, Mikasa and Asics.

The AUF spikers overcame a pair of six-point deficits to escape with a 26-24, 26-24 win over the Claret tossers, who cracked up in down-to-the-wire finishes.

Mayamot HS, for its part, had a relatively easier time disposing of International School of Manila (ISM), running away with a 25-11, 25-9, triumph in the other junior contest.

Angelino Santos and Christian Tingul paced AUF with 11 and 10 hits, respectively, while Mayamot leaned on Alfie Mascarinas’ 10-hit barrage to fashion out their teams’ respective victories.