BY ABBY TORALBA
NATIONAL University-Pasay City blasted AMC-G-Spikers North Cotabato 25-16, 25-22, 25-19 yesterday to sustain its hot start in the men’s tournament of the PNVF Champions League at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
The Sampaloc-based crew remained unscathed in Pool B with a record of 2-0, thanks to Mike Buddin who delivered 17 points and Nico Almendras who fired 12 markers.
Kennry Malinis and Choi Diao contributed seven kills while Mukaba Obed finished with six points for NU-Pasay City.
Joshua Umandal was the lone bright spot for North Cotabato, which slid to 2-1 record, with 18 markers.
In the first game, One Balagtas Bulacan Republicans drubbed Aklan Volleyball Club 25-15, 25-22, 25-18 for its second win.
Jaymar Pascual led Bulacan with 12 markers, while Lerry Francisco provided nine points.
Maruel Tan and Rey Gardose scored seven and four points, respectively, for Aklan.
One Balagtas Bulacan improved its record to 2-1 while Aklan dropped to an 0-2 card in Pool B’s men’s play.
“We are trying to manage everything. The important thing is for the players to get enough rest, so when we play again, we will be at our best,” said NU coach Dante Alinsunurin.
The Bulldogs are tuning up for the UAAP wars in the tourney supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Rebisco, PLDT, Philippine Olympic Committee, Cignal HD, One Sports, Cignal Play, F2 Logistics and Amigo Segurado.
“It is very important for me because it is the second year the PNVF is holding this league. Important because teams from the entire Philippines are participating in this league. That’s why I’m very thankful for the PNVF to stage this league,” said Alinsunurin, who steered the Philippines to a silver medal in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
In Pool C, Santa Rosa outlasted UE Manila, 22-25, 25-22, 22-25, 25-22, 15-6, for its first win in two matches.
Kenneth Culabat capped the Lions’ dominant deciding set with a quick kill, sending the Red Warriors to their second consecutive five-set defeat.
