DE La Salle University saved its best for last, snapping a three-game skid with a gutsy 16-25, 26-24, 20-25, 26-24, 17-15 triumph over defending champion National University (NU) in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament on Sunday afternoon at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Similar to their hard-fought first-round victory over the Bulldogs last March 15, the Green Archers fought back valiantly behind the efforts of Yoyong Mendoza, Chris Hernandez, and Eugene Gloria to deny NU’s bid to secure the twice-to-beat advantage outright.
With the win, La Salle — set to miss the Final Four for the first time since Season 81 (2019) — finished with a 5-9 win-loss record and, in the process, ended NU’s five-game winning streak, dropping the Bulldogs to a 10-3 slate.
Eager to extend the match, Buds Buddin went for a crosscourt hit that was initially ruled a check ball, but La Salle successfully challenged for a block touch, sealing another upset win over NU in the two-hour, 12-minute contest.
Chris Hernandez finished with 17 points on 15 attacks and two blocks, alongside 19 excellent receptions and 12 digs.
Yoyong Mendoza also finished with 17 points, while Eugene Gloria added 16 points, 19 receptions, and 10 digs.
The Green Spikers will lose Eric Layug, team captain JJ Rodriguez, and libero Neil Flores heading into Season 89.
The loss proved costly for the Bulldogs, who now brace for a crucial clash against the University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers, who sit third with a 9-3 record, on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.
A win by NU would secure the final twice-to-beat incentive, while a UST victory would force a playoff for the second seed and a coveted postseason advantage. TMT
