National University reaffirmed its dominance in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament, proving it remains the team to beat despite key roster changes.
The Bulldogs handed Far Eastern University its first loss of the season with a hard-fought 17-25, 25-21, 17-25, 25-14, 15-9 victory, Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Showcasing their championship form, the five-peat-seeking Bulldogs clawed their way back from the brink, rallying past the Tamaraws to improve their record to 8-2 — just one game behind league-leading FEU (9-1).
With the win, NU also secured a traditional Final Four format for the postseason.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“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 na-control namin, kami ‘yung nag-dictate ng tempo at nakuha namin ang panalo,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
After dominating the fourth set, the momentum firmly stayed with NU in the decider.
The Bulldogs stormed to a commanding 9-2 start in the fifth set, fueled by a balanced attack from middle blockers Peng Taguibolos and Obed Mukaba, who combined for five points. Key contributions also came from Michaelo Buddin, Leo Ordiales, and Leo Aringo.
NU’s scorching opening run featured four points from solid blocks, four from spikes, and one from an ace, leaving FEU scrambling to recover.
The Bulldogs never relented, sealing the statement victory after two hours and five minutes — and reminding 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 delivered a career-best 19 points on 14 spikes, three blocks, and two aces.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Buddin provided ample support with 16 points built on 11 attacks, three aces, and two blocks, while also contributing seven digs and seven receptions. Team captain Aringo anchored the Bulldogs with 14 points, 20 receptions, and five digs.
Taguibolos and Mukaba also made their presence felt, scoring 10 and six points, respectively, while accounting for five of NU’s 14 total blocks — eight more than their opponents.
NU will aim to extend its winning streak to three when it faces Adamson University next Sunday at the Big Dome, while FEU looks to bounce back against the UP Fighting Maroons on the same day.
Despite the loss, Dryx Saavedra led the Tamaraws with 20 points, while Mikko Espartero added 15.
Ariel Cacao previously registered 21 excellent sets in FEU’s previous win over University of the East. However, he struggled this time, finishing with just 15 excellent sets in the five-setter.
