Bulldogs tame Tamaraws in series opener

MANILA, Philippines — National University got over a first set hump before waylaying Far Eastern U, 21-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-18, to move a win away from clinching back-to-back titles in the UAAP Season 81 men’s volleyball at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao yesterday.

Bryan Bagunas fired away 16 spikes while James Natividad backed him up at the attack zone with 15 as the Bulldogs outgunned the Tamaraws in the department, 52-44, to gain the headstart in their best-of-three championship series.

NU could take home the crown in Game 2 Wednesday at 12 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

Bagunas finished with 18 points which he topped with 13 excellent receptions while Natividad totaled 16 points and dished out nine digs as the duo also contributed on defense.

Kim Malabunga and Madzlan Gampong scored 10 each for NU.

Richard Solis came through with 15 hits and two aces for a team-best 17 points, John Bugaoan 14 points and Jude Garcia nine for FEU which will aim to force the winner-take-all.