Buds Buddin and three other Alas Pilipinas members starred in National University’s (NU) rousing start in its six-peat bid in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament.

Buddin scored 16 points to lead the Bulldogs to a convincing, 25-22, 29-27, 25-19, victory over University of Santo Tomas (UST) Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

Fresh from a bronze medal finish in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand three months ago, the winger had 11 kills, three kill blocks and two aces to go with eight excellent receptions for NU.

Leo Ordiales collected nine of his 11 points on attacks while Jade Disquitado and Peng Taguibolos contributed eight each in their return to collegiate wars after a successful tour of duty during the offseason.

The Bulldogs gutted out close wins in the first two sets before pulling away in the third to join University of the Philippines, Far Eastern University and Adamson University as early winners.

NU raced to a 13-5 lead in the third frame with Buddin, Ordiales, and Disquitado leading the way.

The Golden Spikers had brief bursts of fight, but the Bulldogs never let up. Ordiales and Peng Taguibolos sparked a crucial 3-0 run, turning a tight 20-16 lead into a commanding 23-16 advantage and putting the game firmly in NU’s hands.

Ayco pierced through the Bulldogs’ blockers, and Macam followed with a booming ace that sparked a late 3-1 rally for UST in a last-ditch attempt to force a fourth set. But Kris Hernandez’s service sailed into the net.

“Happy and nervous at the same time in our situation. It’s our first game and expectations are high, especially we have national team players in our team,” NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin. 

“Really excited with the result of the game. Although we had some lapses in our offense and passing but we were able to control our blocking,” added the Alas assistant coach of his team’s efficient 12-kill block outing.

NU got into trouble in the second frame after squandering a 20-15 advantage as the Golden Spikers made a run to reach set point, 24-23. The Bulldogs saved a point but again went down, 26-25.

NU regained the lead, 27-26, but the Golden Spikers equalized before Disquitado and Obed Mukada finished the set with back-to-back kill blocks.

The Bulldogs built a 13-5 separation in the third frame and never looked back.

Josh Ybanez, who played libero for Alas, Trevor Valera, Sherwin Umandal scored eight each for UST.

In the first game, rookie Jims Ducusin made his presence felt powering the Falcons to a gritty 26-28, 26-24, 30-28, 22-25, 15-12 escape over Ateneo de Manila University.

The 19-year-old homegrown talent delivered 23 points on 20-of-45 attacks, along with two blocks and an ace, including crucial points that helped the Falcons snatch the morale-boosting win in two hours and 30 minutes.

Joel Menor made the most of his court time, contributing 17 points, while Ahmed Tahiluddin added 14 points and 21 excellent receptions.

Lourenz Domingo delivered 19 excellent sets, and middle blockers Leo Coguimbal and Garces chipped in eight points each.

Returning Nigerian outside spiker Okeke led Ateneo with 23 points and 13 excellent receptions, while Amil Pacinio added 20 points and eight digs. Jian Salarzon had 17 points, and reigning MVP Kennedy Batas scored six points in limited action off the bench.