Bulldogs, Eagles trip rivals to stay on top

MANILA, Philippines - National University twice went through some anxious moments but survived the scare each time, hacking out a 26-24, 25-19, 26-24 decision over a stubborn University of the Philippines side to wrest the solo lead in the Spikers’ Turf Season 1-Collegiate Conference presented by PLDT Home Ultera at The Arena in San Juan City.

Nipped by the fierce-fighting Maroons in attacks, 37-38, the Bulldogs relied on their defense and reception to turn back their rivals in the first and third sets while cruising to a second set romp to complete the straight-set victory in 75 minutes at the start of the quarterfinal round action in the event presented by PLDT Home Ultera.

It was NU’s fourth straight victory, counting the 3-0 mark after a sweep of group play, with the Bulldogs seeking to stretch their win run against a winless St. Benilde squad tomorrow.

St. Benilde got back at Emilio Aguinaldo College, carving out a tough 25-22, 21-25, 16-25, 25-22, 15-13 victory in the other game to revive its semifinal hopes.

In the third game, UAAP titlist Ateneo turned back Far Eastern University, 25-21, 25-19, 22-25, 25-17, to join NU on top.

Johnvic De Guzman unleashed a 25-hit game while Racmade Etrone and Isaah Arda combined for 26 points as the Blazers improved to 1-3 and put one over the Generals, who beat them for the NCAA crown last year.

St. Benilde’s win likewise put to naught NCAA MVP Howard Mojica’s tournament-best 35 hits as the Blazers battled back from a 1-2 set deficit by sweeping the last two.