MANILA – Defending champion National University bounced back from a previous loss with a hard-fought 25-20, 23-25, 25-23, 25-15 victory over University of the East (UE) in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

Leo Ordiales led the Bulldogs with 18 points on 13 attacks, four blocks, and one ace finish, while Michaelo Buddin contributed 16 points, nine receptions and five digs.

NU entered the match with its 25-27, 14-25, 23-25 defeat to Far Eastern University on Feb. 23 still haunting them.

“Although we won the first set, we still felt what happened in our last game. Even our first practice after FEU was a bit heavy. Fortunately, in the fourth set, I saw that we were back because that's exactly what we want to happen on the court," NU coach Dante Alinsunurin said after they raised their record to 3-1.

Roy Gabriel Piojo's off-the-block hit put UE within 23-24 in the third set. But Peng Taguibolos countered with a quick spike to give the Bulldogs a 2-1 lead.

The Bulldogs maintained their dominance in the fourth set and wrapped up the match in one hour and 47 minutes.

“Next time, we will do what needs to be improved because I saw in the game earlier, there are shortcomings. We'll just start training again to fill in the gaps," NU skipper Leo Aringo, who had 15 points and 24 excellent receptions, said.

Piojo, a rookie out of Santa Barbara, Iloilo, had 18 points and seven digs, while John Steve Aligayon added 15 points on 13 attacks and two blocks for UE, which remained winless in four outings.

In the other match, UST cruised to a 25-18, 25-15, 25-23 victory over Adamson, sealing the win in one hour and 25 minutes to match NU’s record.

John Julian Macam and Alche Gupiteo led the Golden Spikers with 13 points each, while Jay Rack dela Noche and Trevor Valera chipped in 11 and seven points, respectively.

“The players gained maturity when it came to pressure games. In the endgame, their moves and presence of mind became a bit more consistent," UST assistant coach Ben Mape said.

Jude Christian Aguilar and Marc Kenneth Paulino scored seven points apiece for Adamson, which dropped to 1-3. (PNA)