THE NAZARETH SCHOOL of National University Bullpups pounded the error-plagued UST Junior Tiger Spikers, 25-16, 25-21, 17-25, 26-28, 15-11, to force a do-or-die match in the UAAP Season 80 boys’ volleyball semifinals at the Arena in San Juan Sunday.
UST had 49 errors while NU had 33.
With the Bullpups at match point, 14-11, Junior Tiger Spiker Rey de Vega committed a crucial service error.
“I guess masyadong nag-ingat ang mga bata coming into the fifth set. Instead na gawin nila ang tama, tumatak sa mindset nila na ayaw nila magkamali,” UST assistant coach Rommel Abella said.
A crosscourt kill from team captain Lorenz Señoron and a service ace from de Vega broke a 26-all tie in the fourth set, 28-26.
UST was at set point in the third frame, 24-15, before Jaron Requinton’s quick kill prevented a sweep.
The Bullpups had a 23-21 lead in the second canto before Billie Anima and Pol Salvador scored back-to-back kills for a 2-0 set advantage.
NU sparked a 10-3 blitz in the opening salvo topped by a crosscourt kill from Anima to gain first blood, 25-16.
Anima chalked up 18 points while Bandola and Lorence Cruz combined for 17 markers.
De Vega erupted with a career-high 29 points.
The do-or-die match will be on Nov. 22, Wednesday, 10 a.m., at the same venue.
