Ending a UAAP career with a championship is every senior’s dream. For National University’s Nigel Paule, this title meant more than just a fitting farewell — it was history in the making.
From the onset of Season 87, the NU Bulldogs were determined to accomplish something the program had never done before: win back-to-back UAAP Baseball titles. Despite recent success and a title in Season 86, consecutive championships remained elusive.
That dream finally became reality on Tuesday, when NU clinched its second straight title — a triumph that Paule described as the crowning moment of his collegiate career.
“Ito na ‘yung last year ko sa UAAP kaya binigay ko lahat ng aking makakaya. First inning pa lang, binigay ko na ang lahat, kaya para sa inyo ‘to, NU,” said the 25-year-old outfielder, his voice filled with emotion.
Facing De La Salle University in Game 2 of the Finals, NU found itself in a deep hole early — trailing by five runs after just two innings. With their championship hopes hanging in the balance, the Bulldogs needed a spark. And Paule knew he had to deliver.
They erupted for five runs in the fifth inning to seize a 7-5 lead, shifting the momentum for good.
“Iniisip ko lang kanina nung lamang ang La Salle ng five runs na makabawi at maka-score para matulungan ‘yung team namin. ‘Yun nga, nagawa ko naman; nakuha namin ‘yung first run at nagtuluy-tuloy na ‘yung score,” said Paule, a proud product of the NU Nazareth School program.
That scoring burst proved to be the turning point, transforming what seemed like a lost cause into a golden repeat — a dream fulfilled for Paule and the entire NU community.
“Pinagtrabahuhan namin nang maayos ‘tong Game 2 para makuha namin ‘tong back-to-back, kaya nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng sumuporta, lalo na sa NU community na laging nandyan para makuha namin ‘tong back-to-back,” he added.
“Yung pinaka-key siguro is ‘yung chemistry namin sa field. Nag-adjust kami every inning at pinakita namin ‘yung angas ng NU. ‘Yung experience namin nung Season 86 nakatulong sa’min para maka-move dito sa Season 87 at naging magandang motivation ‘yun para sa’ming lahat na ulitin namin.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Paule, who played a vital role in last season’s championship run, was relatively quiet during the eliminations this year. But when it mattered most, he rose to the occasion — especially in the Finals.
In Game 1, it was his third-inning grand slam that propelled the Bulldogs to a 5-1 lead after a sluggish start. Teammate Kevin Maulit followed up with his own heroics, sparking a five-run outburst in the fifth to put NU firmly in control, 10-5.
In the winner-take-all Game 2, Paule returned the favor. His RBI double tied the game at 5-all, paving the way for NU’s comeback and eventual victory.
The moment sealed NU’s first-ever back-to-back title in UAAP Baseball history.
“Naging focused lang rin talaga ko sa game na ‘to para maka-contribute. Naka-ilang hits din ako at RBI,” Paule said, reflecting on his performance as a steady presence in the outfield and at bat.
With most of NU’s core expected to return next season, only a handful of seniors — including Paule — will be leaving. As he hands the torch to the next generation of Bulldogs, the Season 87 Finals MVP expressed full confidence in the team’s ability to chase a three-peat.
“Masasabi ko lang is next year, buo pa sila. Wala namang gano’ng matatanggal, iilan lang; kami lang mga senior. Pag-iigihan lang nila and gawin nilang motivation ‘tong back-to-back namin.”
