Leo Ordiales Delivers Late Attacks to Secure NU Victory
National University remained unbeaten after defeating Far Eastern University, 25-15, 25-21, 24-26, 25-21, in another rivalry meeting. The Bulldogs improved to 3-0 as Leo Ordiales delivered consecutive closing attacks after FEU threatened another fourth-set comeback.
NU Takes Two-Set Lead Before FEU Forces Fourth
ABS-CBN News detailed NU’s four-set victory Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan during the Invitational Conference. The Bulldogs controlled the opening set, 25-15, before strengthening their advantage with a 25-21 victory in the second frame.
FEU responded by taking the extended third set, 26-24, preventing NU from completing another straight-set victory. The result forced the Bulldogs into a fourth set against an opponent they had already faced repeatedly throughout the year.
Image from: Spiker’s Turf
Bulldogs Recover After Dropping Extended Third Set
NU remained composed after FEU extended the match, keeping the fourth set level until both teams reached 18-all. Choi Diao then produced consecutive impact plays that created the separation NU needed during the decisive closing stretch.
Diao and Ordiales Finish NU’s Fourth-Set Push
Diao converted a quick attack at 18-all before blocking Dryx Saavedra on the following play to push NU ahead. Those consecutive points sparked a 5-1 Bulldogs run, transforming the fourth-set deadlock into a 23-19 National University advantage.
FEU capitalized on consecutive NU mistakes, cutting the deficit after errors from Buds Buddin and Jade Disquitado. Ordiales answered immediately with consecutive attacks, ending the Tamaraws’ comeback attempt and completing National University’s third straight Invitational victory.
Ordiales Leads Bulldogs With 20 Points
Ordiales finished with a team-high 20 points, producing 18 successful attacks and two service aces against the Tamaraws. His final two attacks stopped FEU’s late fourth-set push and secured NU’s four-set victory after nearly losing its advantage.
Buddin and Disquitado Strengthen NU’s First Contact
Buddin contributed 19 points while recording 14 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs during another productive all-around performance. Disquitado added 12 points and 23 excellent receptions, providing additional first-contact support throughout the four-set rivalry matchup.
Choi Diao finished with 10 points and five blocks, including his important fourth-set denial against Saavedra. Jimwell Gapultos added 15 excellent digs as NU received significant defensive production alongside its balanced scoring throughout the victory.
Ancheta Records 25 Excellent Sets in Victory
Greg Ancheta directed NU’s offense with 25 excellent sets while receiving consistent passing support from Buddin and Disquitado. Their combined reception production accompanied scoring contributions from Ordiales, Buddin, Disquitado, and Diao across National University’s four-set victory.
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Alinsunurin Credits NU’s Passing and Execution
NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin praised his players’ passing and offensive execution after they established early control against FEU. National University opened with a 25-15 first-set victory before protecting its advantage through the second frame.
Alinsunurin also revealed Sunday marked NU’s ninth meeting with FEU during the year, highlighting their extensive familiarity. Their repeated encounters included the recent V-League championship series before both programs entered the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
Nine Meetings Deepen Bulldogs-FEU Rivalry
Alinsunurin credited his players for continuing to follow NU’s approach despite repeatedly facing the same opponent throughout the year. His comments also emphasized the Bulldogs’ passing and offense after NU established control early against the familiar Tamaraws.
“Sobrang ganda ng pinakita namin. Sa pasa namin, sa opensa namin, maaga namin na-control ‘yung game kaya sobrang thanful ako sa naging performance ng players ko,” said Alinsunurin.
“Pang siyam na namin ‘tong nakalaban ‘yung FEU ngayong taon, kaya thankful ako sa players na hindi sila nagsasawa sundin kung ano ‘man ‘yung gusto naming gawin sa loob ng court. Gagawin at gagawin nila para manalo,” he added.
NU Improves to 3-0 Before Criss Cross Showdown
NU improved to 3-0 before facing defending champion Criss Cross on November 4 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre. The Bulldogs enter the 1 p.m. matchup after opening their Invitational campaign with three consecutive victories against their scheduled opponents.
FEU dropped to 2-1 after beginning its campaign with victories over AEP-Cabstars and VNS-Laticrete before facing unbeaten NU. Saavedra led the Tamaraws with 20 points, while Amet Bituin and Kyle Tandoc supplied additional scoring and reception production.
FEU Drops to 2-1 After First Invitational Loss
Bituin returned with 15 points and 15 excellent receptions, while Tandoc contributed 12 points and 24 excellent receptions. Both players missed FEU’s previous match because of on-the-job training commitments before returning against National University on Sunday.
Analytical Breakdown: Diao’s Middle Attack Makes the Difference
NU’s stable reception gave Ancheta enough distribution options to prevent FEU’s blockers from consistently anticipating the Bulldogs’ attacking direction. Diao’s fourth-set attack-block sequence demonstrated how middle production can quickly alter momentum while forcing immediate adjustments across opposing defensive assignments. Maintaining that first-contact stability becomes especially important when NU faces defending champion Criss Cross in its next Invitational Conference matchup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did NU beat FEU in Spikers’ Turf?
National University defeated FEU, 25-15, 25-21, 24-26, 25-21, to remain unbeaten in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
What is NU’s Spikers’ Turf record?
The Bulldogs improved to 3-0 after defeating Far Eastern University in four sets during their latest Invitational Conference matchup.
Who led NU in scoring against FEU?
Leo Ordiales led National University with 20 points from 18 successful attacks and two service aces against FEU.
How many points did Buds Buddin score?
Buddin finished with 19 points while contributing 14 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs during NU’s four-set victory.
Who does NU play next?
National University faces defending champion Criss Cross on November 4 at 1 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from ABS-CBN’s Website.
