HITTER. Angelo Nicolas Almendras of National University scores on a spike against a University of Santos defender during Game One of the V-League Men's Collegiate Challenge best-of-three title series at the Paco Arena in Manila on Nov. 27, 2022. NU won, 25-19, 25-21, 25-19. (Photo courtesy of PVL Media Bureau)
MANILA – National University defeated University of Santo Tomas, 25-19, 25-21, 25-19, in Game One of the V-League Men's Collegiate Challenge best-of-three title series at the crown at the Paco Arena in Manila on Sunday.
Outside hitter Angelo Nicolas Almendras scored 13 attacks to go with 14 excellent receptions for the Bulldogs, who are eyeing their second championship after the Spikers' Turf Open Conference last month.
Outside hitter Michaelo Buddin had nine spikes and two blocks while opposite hitter Kennry Malinis also scored 11 points, including two blocks in the one hour and 17 minutes match.
Libero Jann Mariano had 11 excellent receptions and eight excellent digs and Ave Joshua Retamar made 16 excellent sets.
"Our players did well. You can see in the endgame, we got the things we wanted to happen like our blocking and our offense," NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin said.
Game 2 is scheduled on Nov. 30 at 2 p.m.
"It's important for us to be aggressive. We will still work in practice and we will continue to do what we are doing," said Alinsunurin, who also coaches the men's national team.
Josh Ybañez finished with eight attacks, one block and one ace while opposite hitter Jay Rack Dela Noche contributed seven spikes and three blocks for the España-based Tiger Spikers.
Outside hitter Rey Miguel De Vega scored eight points and made 10 excellent receptions. (PNA)
