National University stormed back from a six-point deficit in the third set and capitalized on University of Santo Tomas' late errors to secure a 25-19, 34-32, 31-29 victory, clinching the bronze medal in the 2024 V-League Collegiate Challenge Men's Division at the Philsports Arena on Sunday.
The Bulldogs caught fire after a timely timeout, firing off four consecutive points to rally from a 10-16 disadvantage in the third set. In a finish reminiscent of their thrilling second-set battle, NU emerged victorious after a one-hour, 42-minute contest, thanks to crucial mistakes by UST, including a net touch by Jan Macam and a backrow foot fault by GBoy de Vega.
NU team captain Leo Aringo outmaneuvered Macam in a critical net duel, forcing the UST player into a net violation, giving NU a 30-29 lead. In a tense final exchange, De Vega committed a premature backrow attack that resulted in a line fault, sealing the set, the match and the bronze for NU.
"At least nakita namin yung mga players namin na kayang mag-perform. Hindi na mahihirapan si coach Dante (Alinsunurin) 'pag balik niya kung sino 'yung gagamitin. Lahat naman 'to is preparation namin for UAAP," said NU assistant coach Dong Dela Cruz.
The Bulldogs displayed the same composure in the hotly-disputed second set, after breezing through the first with relative ease.
UST appeared more competitive after the first set, but the momentum swung against the Golden Spikers when ace middle blocker Popoy Colinares was forced to exit midway through the second frame due to injury.
Despite the setback, Macam, De Vega and Sherwin Umandal carried the load for the España-based squad, keeping the match close.
However, Aringo and Jan Abanilla combined in the crucial moments to give NU a 2-0 set advantage.
The third set saw UST pull away from a narrow 11-10 lead with a five-point burst, but NU responded with their own four-point surge, setting the stage for another dramatic finish.
Aringo delivered a game-high 17 points, all on attacks, while Abanilla contributed 11 markers, including nine kills and two blocks.
Middle blocker Obed Mukaba also played a pivotal role, particularly in the third set, where his timely spikes helped power NU to victory. He finished with 13 points, highlighted by nine spikes and four blocks.
On the UST side, Macam, an incoming rookie, led the way with 14 points, all on attacks, while Umandal and De Vega added 10 and 7 points, respectively.
