NU mounts epic comeback, claws Ateneo in 5

Mac Bandola and Leo Aringo, Jr. stepped up in the crucial moments of the fourth and fifth sets, leading the Bulldogs to a gripping comeback victory. The win not only halted their losing streak but also bolstered their playoff hopes in the eight-team league organized by Sports Vision, improving their record to 3-2 (win-loss).

“Yung mga ganyang pressure game, diyan magiimprove yung personality nila as a player and tulong din sa kanila kung paano nila papaangatin yung game nila pagdating sa mga ganitong crucial match,” said NU assistant coach Jessie Lopez. 

Despite their remarkable comeback in the fourth set, the exertion appeared to have drained the Bulldogs as they struggled to find their rhythm in the fifth. Meanwhile, the Blue Eagles rediscovered their confidence, surging ahead at 5-1.

However, NU suddenly snapped out of their brief slump, tying the score at 6 with a crucial block from Obed Mukaba.

Mukaba then delivered another pivotal block against Ken Batas, and NU surged ahead with two consecutive aces from Aringo, establishing a 10-7 lead.

The Eagles’ defense faltered at the worst possible moment, allowing the Bulldogs to capitalize.

An Ateneo net violation brought NU to match point at 14-9. Although the Eagles saved two match points, Jan Abadilla sealed the win for the Bulldogs with a powerful spike, crushing the Eagles' hopes for a comeback.

Down by five in the fourth, NU closed out with a stirring 9-2 run to stun Ateneo and send the match into a deciding set.

Ateneo outscored NU in the third, 17-10 in attacks, as the Eagles surged to a 2-1 set lead over a depleted NU squad. The Bulldogs were missing key players Buds Buddin, Choi Diao, Jade Disquitado, Jade Ordiales and head coach Dante Alinsunurin, all of whom were on national team duty.

In the second set, the Blue Eagles showcased their prowess from the service line and on defense, tallying three aces and the same number of blocks to even the match. Despite a strong start from Ateneo, NU clawed back from a four-point deficit (19-23) to take the opening set.

“Alam naman natin sino yung wala, pero sabi nga ni Coach Dante, hindi pwede magdahilan yung mga naiwan, so kailangan nila mag-step up para makita rin namin ng mga coaches kung ano talaga yung capabilities na naiwan na second stringer namin,” one of the NU staff mentioned.

Bandola scored 27 points on 26 attacks, with Aringo contributing 17 points, including 13 attacks and three aces.

NU's next challenge will be against De La Salle University in a rivalry match on Sept. 4 at 5 p.m.

Meanwhile, Ateneo, which fell to 1-4, aims to bounce back against defending NCAA champion University of Perpetual Help System Dalta earlier that day at 3 p.m.