National University-Archipelago Builders continued to assert its mastery over modern-day rivals Far Eastern University-DN Steel, outlasting the Tamaraws in four sets, 25-15, 25-21, 24-26, 25-21, to remain unbeaten and seize a share of the lead in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
In a rematch of the V-League Finals, the Bulldogs were denied a straight-set victory after the Tamaraws rallied to steal an extended third set.
NU, however, regrouped in the fourth to close out the match, improve to 3-0, and tie Clearskiiin for the top spot in the standings.
The victory further underscored NU’s continued dominance over FEU, which Alinsunurin noted was the ninth time the two sides had faced each other this year.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
With the fourth set hanging in the balance at 18-all, Choi Diao broke the deadlock with a quick attack before shutting down Dryx Saavedra at the net.
The back-to-back plays sparked a decisive 5-1 run that propelled the reigning V-League champions to a 23-19 lead.
However, Buds Buddin was whistled for a catch-and-throw violation before Jade Disquitado sent his attack long, allowing FEU to trim the deficit to just two points.
With the Bulldogs suddenly under pressure, Leo Ordiales stepped up in the clutch, unleashing back-to-back emphatic attacks to seal NU’s victory and hand FEU its first loss of the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
“Well, sobrang ganda ng pinakita namin. Sa pasa namin, sa opensa namin, maaga naming na-control ‘yung game kaya sobrang thankful ako sa naging performance ng players ko,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
“Pang siyam na namin ‘tong nakalaban ‘yung FEU ngayong taon, kaya thankful ako sa players na hindi sila nagsasawa na sundin kung ano ‘man ‘yung gusto naming gawin sa loob ng court. Gagawin at gagawin nila para manalo,” he added.
Ordiales led the Bulldogs with a team-high 20 points on 18 attacks and two aces, while Buddin delivered an all-around performance with 19 points, 14 excellent receptions, and nine excellent digs.
Disquitado finished with a double-double of 12 points and 23 excellent receptions, while Diao anchored NU’s net defense with five blocks to finish with 10 points.
Greg Ancheta orchestrated the offense with 25 excellent sets, while Jimwell Gapultos contributed 15 excellent digs.
NU will face its toughest test yet against defending champion Criss Cross on November 4 at 1 p.m. at the same venue, with the Bulldogs looking to extend their winning streak to four games and maintain their place atop the standings.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Meanwhile, FEU slipped to 2-1 after opening its campaign with victories over AEP-Cabstars and VNS-Laticrete.
Saavedra once again led the Tamaraws with 20 points.
Amet Bituin returned to action with 15 points and 15 excellent receptions, while Kyle Tandoc chipped in 12 points and 24 excellent receptions. Both players missed FEU’s previous game against the Griffins due to their on-the-job training commitments.
The Tamaraws will look to bounce back when they face Savouge on November 4 at 5 p.m.
