VOLLEY

Bulldogs rip Protectors to shreds

DT··2 MIN READ

OBED Mukaba’s steady presence at the net helps NU-Archipelago Builders sweep Alpha Insurance for a second straight win in the Spikers’ Turf Season 10 Invitational Conference.

OBED Mukaba’s steady presence at the net helps NU-Archipelago Builders sweep Alpha Insurance for a second straight win in the Spikers’ Turf Season 10 Invitational Conference.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Spikers’ Turf

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Game tomorrow:

(Playtime FilOil Centre)

3:30 p.m. — VNS vs ClearSkiiin

Obed Mukaba flexed his blocking prowess to lead National University (NU)-Archipelago Builders in a sweep of Alpha Insurance, 25-20, 25-20, 25-23, for back-to-back wins and a share of the lead in the Spikers’ Turf Season 10 Invitational Conference on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Congolese middle blocker outscored the Protectors on kill blocks, 7-5, by his lonesome in an eight-point contribution for the Bulldogs, who joined defending champion Criss Cross, Far Eastern University-DN Steel and newcomer ClearSkiiin on top of the standings.

Mukaba’s blocking was crucial in the tight third set, including the game-winning shutdown against Alpha Insurance’s main gunner Raymark Betco to seal the 84-minute victory.

“I think in the third set they tried to adjust with their opposite spiker Betco. He was on fire. So, coach had to adjust to him. That’s why in the game we’re able to block him two or three times,” said the 6-foot-6 Mukaba.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Spikers’ Turf

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Spikers’ Turf

Leo Ordiales led NU with 15 points on 11 attacks, two aces and two kill blocks.

Buds Buddin added 13 points and nine excellent receptions, Jade Disquitado scored 10 while libero Jimwell Gapultos tallied eight digs and nine excellent receptions for the Bulldogs.

NU rallied from a 19-21 deficit in the third set with three straight points for a 22-21 advantage.

The Protectors tied it at 23 after a Jetlee Gopio kill but a costly service error by Betco put the Bulldogs at match point.

Betco tried to save a point in the next play but Mukaba was there to thwart his attack.

Only Betco scored in double figures for Alpha Insurance with 13 points, 11 in the third frame, despite playing just two sets as a reliever.

Vince Himzon had seven markers while Axel Van Book had a quiet six-point output as the Protectors failed to score a followup to their opening-day five-set win over Savouge in front of more than 13,000 live spectators inside the SM Seaside Cebu Arena two weeks ago. Mark Escarlote