Manila, March 16 -- Defending champion National University (NU) bounced back from a first-set setback and survived University of Santo Tomas (UST), 16-25, 25-20, 25-21, 29-27, in the UAAP Season 87 men's volleyball at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Sunday.

Leo Aringo Jr. led the Bulldogs with 13 points, including four blocks, and seven digs as NU extended its winning streak to four games, closing out the first round with a 6-1 record.

Jade Disquitado chipped in 12 points and 16 receptions while Michaelo Buddin and Peng Taguibolos added 11 and 10 points, respectively for NU, whose only loss of the season came from undefeated Far Eastern University (7-0).

"I'm grateful for my team's response every time we face challenges. In th...