NU nips UP, gains solo lead in Spikers' Turf

Games Wednesday

(The Arena, San Juan)

1 p.m. – Ateneo vs EAC

3 p.m. – NCBA vs La Salle

5 p.m. – St. Benilde vs NU

MANILA, Philippines – National University trounced University of the Philippines, 26-24, 25-19, 26-24, on Monday to seize the solo lead in the Spikers' Turf Season 1-Collegiate Conference presented by PLDT Home Ultera at The Arena in San Juan City.

Bryan Bagunas and Madzlan Gampong fired 12 hits apiece, including key points in the third set when the Bulldogs put the Maroons away to post their first win in the quarterfinals and fourth overall.

To date, NU also moved to No. 1 while pushing idle Ateneo, the former's UAAP finals conqueror last season, down to No. 2 with a 3-0 (win-loss) record.

The Bulldogs also moved a couple of wins from booking a spot in the best-of-three semifinal round with three games left in their schedule including their much-awaited showdown with the Eagles on Aug. 31.

NU coach Dante Alinsunurin mentioned about their rock-solid blocking and superb court coverage as the keys to victory.

"Our defense helped us a lot in this game," said Alinsunurin.

Wendel Miguel and team captain Alfred Gerard Valbuena tried to keep UP alive as the popwer-hitting tandem scattered 16 and 14, respectively, but failed to come through when their team needed it most.

The Maroons fell to their third defeat against a win.