National University turned an uncharacteristic setback into fuel as it powered its way to an 11th straight Finals appearance in the UAAP Men’s Volleyball Tournament.
The five-time defending champion Bulldogs endured back-to-back losses to close the elimination round of the UAAP Season 88 collegiate men’s volleyball tournament — their first such skid in that stage in 10 years.
Prior to those defeats against De La Salle University and University of Santo Tomas, the last time NU dropped two straight elimination-round games was in Season 78 (2016).
After a 28-30, 18-25, 25-22, 23-25 loss to the Golden Spikers that forced a playoff for the second twice-to-beat advantage, the Bulldogs answered with a 25-22, 20-25, 25-23, 28-26 victory in the do-or-die match.
In their third straight meeting, NU then delivered its most dominant performance yet. The team swept UST, 25-21, 30-28, 25-19, in the Final Four to arrange a Finals showdown with Far Eastern University on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
For Michaelo Buddin, though, the adversity only made the team stronger.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Actually, magandang experience na ganito yung nangyari sa amin, na natalo kami nang twice, nakaangat kami. Kasi doon mati-test yung mentality namin eh, kung paano pa kami ulit umangat,” said Buddin after their semifinal win over UST.
“Mas naging magandang preparation siya going into Finals kasi na-test yung character namin sa loob ng court. And yung attitude namin outside the court, doon kami mas nasubukan, doon namin mas nakilala yung isa’t isa kung sino ba talaga kami,” he added.
“Doon mas na-build yung trust sa isa’t isa. Kumbaga naniwala kami sa lahat, sa teammate, sa coaches, sa sistema. Lahat nagbunga.”
Buddin led the Bulldogs with 19 points and 18 excellent receptions, while Jade Disquitado added 11 points, 10 receptions, and five digs.
NU will face FEU in the best-of-three Finals for the second consecutive year. Last season, the Bulldogs bounced back from a Game 1 loss to win Games 2 and 3, securing their fifth straight championship.
Head coach Dante Alinsunurin also credited their recent outings against UST, which helped NU fine-tune its system and adjust its game plan specifically for the Golden Spikers.
“Siguro yung experience talaga, kaya lumamang kami this game kasi ilang beses na namin silang kalaban. Siguro yung adjustment ng players ko, madali nilang nakuha. Nakuha agad namin yung game,” said the seven-time NU champion coach.
“Thankful ako sa mga naging sitwasyon namin kahit yung mga coaches ko, tumulong talaga para mapadali yung laro ngayon.”
