Bulldogs take down Tamaraws in UAAP men's volleyball

MANILA, Philippines -- Down go the Tamaraws.

The National University Bulldogs handed the Far Eastern University Tamaraws their first loss in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament, 25-22, 21-25, 25-14, 23-25, 18-16, Wednesday afternoon at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Bulldogs star rookie Jade Disquitado had an all-around performance with 29 points and 23 excellent receptions.

Leo Aringo and Nico Almendras chipped in 15 points each for NU.

With the fifth and final set going down the wire, 16-all, Dryx Saavedra had a costly attack error as his hit went out.

Choi Diao ended the game with a quick to give the Tamaraws their first blemish in the season.

After going up by a set with an excellent third set, 25-14, the Bulldogs crumbled against the formerly-undefeated Tamaraws as they dropped the fourth set, 25-23, following an attack by Andrei Delicana from the backrow.

In the set, NU committed eight errors compared to just two for FEU.

NU then started the fifth set on fire, going up 9-4 with as their tall frontline denied an attack by Saavedra.

FEU unleashed four straight points to inch closer, 9-8.

Back-to-back attacks by Disquitado gave the Bulldogs some breathing room, 11-8.

The Morayta-based spikers tied the game up at 12 following big plays by Martin Bugaoan and Dryx Saavedra.

The two teams traded points through the 15-point mark, with FEU gaining the upper hand and the match point, 16-15, after Lirick Mendoza blocked Almendras.

Almendras, though, made up for it with an attack, setting up the wild finish.

Saavedra led the charge for FEU with 19 points. Delicana backstopped with 12, while Jayjay Javelona added 11.

Earlier in the day, the La Salle Green Spikers swept the hapless UE Red Warriors, 25-14, 25-20, 31-29, to notch their third straight win of the season.

Vince Maglinao led La Salle with 16 points, while Noel Kampton and JM Ronquillo had 13 markers apiece.

Joshua Pozas was the only Red Warrior in double digits with 14.

Currently, FEU, La Salle and NU are tied with identical 4-1 win-loss records.

UE dropped to 0-5 in the season.