By Abby Toralba

NATIONAL University barely broke a sweat and humbled Emilio Aguinaldo College 25-19, 25-23, 25-15 yesterday in the preliminaries of the V-League Collegiate Championship at the Paco Arena in Manila.

Outside spiker Michaello Buddin topscored for the Bulldogs, who remained unbeaten with a 2-0 mark, with 17 points while Leo Aringo chipped in 13 markers, nine excellent receptions and five digs.

Middle blocker Obed Mukaba and Jan Abadilla also combined for 11 points for NU, while setter Greg Ancheta tossed 13 excellent sets along with three markers.

Libero Jomwell Gapultos had nine excellent receptions and saved five digs for the Bulldogs.

Reeling from the departure of Owa Retamar and Nico Almendras due to graduation, coach Dante Alinsunurin admitted that Aringo and Buddin are among the key players expected to step up for the four-time UAAP champion Bulldogs.

“Obviously naman si Aringo and si Buddin. Sila iyong tumutulong sakin ngayon para mas maging maayos iyong takbo ng team,” Alinsunurin said.

“Sobrang thankful ako kahit papaano, unti-unti nagkakaroon kami ng magandang usapan ni Aringo and Buddin na mas maganda iyong hawak nila sa team,” he added.

In the second match, Far Eastern University turned back Ateneo 24-26, 25-22. 25-18, 29-27.

Mikko Espartero and skipper Jelord Talisayan led the charge for the Tamaraws with 14 and 13 points, respectively, while Amet Bituin added 12 markers.