National University reminded the UAAP Men’s Volleyball competition that it is still the team to beat despite key losses, handing Far Eastern University its first loss of the Season 87 tournament.
Flaunting their championship form, the Bulldogs clawed their way back from the brink, rallying back for a 17-25, 25-21, 17-25, 25-14, 15-9 victory, Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With the win, five-peat-seeking NU not only strengthened its title defense but also secured a traditional Final Four format after the elimination round, improving to an 8-2 record—just one game behind FEU, which dropped to 9-1.
“Sobrang thankful sa sitwasyon namin na kahit down kami ng set, pinilit namin na maibalik yung laro namin, makita yung pasensya namin sa loob ng court. Lumabas ‘yung laro ni Leo. Buti nung huli nacontrol namin, kami ‘yung nagdictate ng tempo at nakuha namin ang panalo,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
After dominating the fourth set, the momentum never left NU’s side in the decider.
The Bulldogs overwhelmed the Tamaraws with a commanding 9-2 start, fueled by a balanced attack from middle blockers Peng Taguibolos and Obed Mukaba, who combined for five points, alongside key contributions from Michaelo Buddin, Leo Ordiales, and Leo Aringo.
In that scorching opening run, NU scored four points from solid blocks, four from spikes, and one from an ace, leaving the Tamaraws scrambling to recover.
The Bulldogs never let up since then, sealing the statement win after two hours and five minutes to remind the league that the road to the championship still runs through them.
“Sa mindset lang namin kasi wala pa silang talo, sila ‘yung may pressure, kami po wala kaya ginawa lang namin ‘yung best namin at sumunod lang kami sa sistema. Tapos kailangan lang talaga ng direction para makuha namin ‘yung panalo,” said Ordiales, who came off the bench and produced a career-best 19 points on 14 spikes, three blocks, and two aces.
Buddin ably backed him up with 16 points on 11 attacks, three aces, and two blocks along with seven digs and seven receptions, while team captain Aringo held the Bulldogs together and made 14 points, 20 receptions, and five digs.
Taguibolos and Mukaba also chipped in 10 and six points, respectively, including two and three blocks out of their team’s 14 rejections, eight more than their opponents.
Dryx Saavedra paced the Tamaraws with 20 points while Mikko Espartero had 15.
Ariel Cacao, who had 21 excellent sets in a four-set win over University of the East last time out, could not deliver the ball well this time, tossing just 15 excellent sets in the five-setter.
