Ever since National University handed Far Eastern University its first and only loss of the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament last March 30, the Bulldogs have played with a renewed sense of swag and fire on the Taraflex.
In their 17-25, 25-21, 17-25, 25-14, 15-9 triumph over the Tamaraws during the second round, NU played with looseness and confidence, celebrating every big moment with electrifying energy — culminating in their 10th straight Finals appearance.
That same energy carried into Game 1 of the best-of-three Finals between NU and FEU.
With 5,405 fans in attendance at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday afternoon — a strong showing for the often-overlooked men’s division — the two powerhouse teams exchanged not only points but also plenty of in-game antics and celebrations that fired up both players and spectators alike.
But in the end, it was the yellow-clad half of the Big Dome that erupted in cheers, as the Tamaraws narrowly edged out the Bulldogs, 22-25, 25-22, 13-25, 25-22, 15-13, to move within one win of capturing their first championship since Season 74 in 2012.
For 22-year-old Leo Ordiales, who led NU with a career-high 23 points, their signature swag isn’t just for show — it’s their fuel. And in the sets they lost, he admitted it was missing.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Nagiging dagdag kumpiyansa sa amin ‘yung mga celebrations na ‘yun kasi sa mga sets na natatalo kami, parang masyado kaming seryoso — eh hindi kami nagsi-celebrate, which is ‘yun ang nagpapataas ng confidence namin every point,” said the 6-foot-5 opposite spiker.
With the loss and their “five-peat” bid now hanging in the balance, the Bulldogs need back-to-back victories to defend the throne they’ve held since 2019.
Still, Ordiales remains grateful for the roaring crowd in Game 1, noting that their flashy play and animated celebrations may be helping draw more attention and support to men’s volleyball.
“Malaking tulong ‘yung mga angasan sa court para hindi boring ang game at ma-excite ‘yung mga tao para mas abangan nila sa mga susunod na laro,” said Ordiales.
“Siguro huwag lang namin i-take as negative ‘yung mga swag—challenge lang din ‘yun, since magkakaibigan naman kaming lahat diyan eh. Pampahype lang talaga, pampa-intense lang ng laro.”
Game 2 is set for Wednesday at 1:00 PM at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. If NU manages to force a winner-take-all Game 3, it will take place on Saturday.
#WATCH: Dante Alinsunurin, Leo Ordiales, and Buds Buddin reflect on their Game 1 stumble and lay out the game plan to keep their #UAAPSeason87 title dreams alive 🏐
📹 @ErnestTuazon /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/JzFL3tzSTp
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) May 11, 2025
