Leo Aringo's breakthrough fueled National University's comeback against De La Salle University in a crucial match of the 2023 V-League Collegiate Challenge.
The Bulldogs won in come-from-behind fashion, 19-25, 23-25, 25-15, 25-22, 15-11, on Wednesday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
This victory propelled the Bulldogs ahead of the Green Spikers in the tight race to the semifinals with a record of three wins and one loss, while De La Salle University now holds a 2-2 record.
"Slow start na naman kami, kasi siguro nag-dadoubt pa rin sila sa kung anong meron kami. Napatunayan naman namin simula third set, nagtuloy-tuloy yung momentum namin," said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin, who returned from a successful stint with Choco Mucho in the VTV Cup.
In the decisive fifth set, Michaelo Buddin carried the defending champions with three consecutive kills, before Aringo took over and scored his 22nd and 23rd points of the day to close out the match. The captain also played a crucial role in helping the offense with nine excellent receptions.
Buddin ended with 26 points from 23 attacks, one block, and two service aces, but it was the solid playmaking of first-time starter Clarenz Belostrino that fueled the explosive performance from the open hitter and the rest of the Bulldogs.
NU spoiled JM Ronquillo's impressive 29-point performance and the additional 19 markers from Noel Kampton.
