National University and Arellano University opened their respective 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge campaigns on winning notes, with the Bulldogs surviving University of Santo Tomas in five sets and the Chiefs turning back Colegio de San Juan de Letran in four on Saturday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
NU showed immense championship composure to deny UST a comeback, 25–16, 25–15, 20–25, 22–25, 16–14, in a nearly two-hour battle.
Playing with its Alas Pilipinas quartet of Peng Taguibolos, Leo Ordiales, Buds Buddin, and Jade Disquitado for the first time in three campaigns, the Bulldogs leaned on their national team-caliber core to finish the match after surrendering a two-set lead.
Down 9–12 in the decider, Ordiales and Disquitado made up for their previous errors as they helped NU turn the tables and take a 13–12 lead, putting the Bulldogs within striking distance of victory.
Al Bukhaire Sali and Kris Hernandez tried to keep the Golden Spikers in the fight, but a net fault by GBoy De Vega handed the match-point advantage back to NU.
Disquitado then denied Sali’s attempt to end the match, helping the Bulldogs escape with the win. He finished with 15 points, including three blocks.
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“Siguro nung bandang huli pinakita nila ‘yung experience nila tsaka ‘yung championship pedigree nila sa bandang huli,” said acting coach Dong Dela Cruz, who is filling in for head coach Dante Alinsunurin, as he currently handles PVL club duties.
“Kasi nitong mga nakaraan, hindi sila pinapayagan ng national team, kaya wala kaming choice kundi i-enter yung ibang players namin. Ngayon, pinayagan na sila sa national team, kaya kumpleto kaming lahat,” the former national team deputy added.
Ordiales led NU with 19 points, including 17 from attacks, while Buddin and Taguibolos contributed 11 and seven markers, respectively. Greg Ancheta, the latest addition to the NU contingent on the national team, added 17 excellent sets and four points.
Sali paced UST with 17 points, while Hernandez had 10 markers in four sets and De Vega contributed 12 points and 11 excellent receptions.
NU will have less than 24 hours to recover before facing 2023 champions De La Salle University on Sunday at 5:00 PM. UST, meanwhile, will take on Letran at 3:00 PM.
(C) V-League Images
Arellano earlier secured its own opening-day victory, stopping Letran, 25–21, 18–25, 25–20, 30–28.
The Chiefs had to fend off a determined Knights side in a marathon 37-minute fourth set, with CJ Dominguito delivering the finishing touches to deny Letran a chance to force a decider.
“Maganda nilaro ng team namin, pero marami pang dapat i-improve. Kaya malaki talagang tulong ‘tong V-League kasi preparation namin sa NCAA,” said Budo Antiquera, who served as Arellano’s acting head coach with Bryan Vitug out of town for PVL duties with Nxled.
“Gagawin lang ng mga players yung mga dapat naming i-improve. Gagawin lang nila sa practice and then i-a-apply dito, para preparation sa NCAA talaga,” he added.
Dominguito paced the Chiefs with 21 points on 19 attacks, one block, and one service ace, while John Lester Calura chipped in 15 points and provided crucial support in the tight fourth set.
Arellano will shoot for a second straight win against reigning NCAA champions De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde on August 23 at 10:00 AM.
The defeat spoiled the Letran debut of head coach Jessie Lopez, although newly-minted captain Dave Lardizabal delivered a strong performance with 26 points in his new role as opposite hitter. Former skipper Vince Himzon added 14 points.
