National University’s “six-peat” dream remains alive after the second-seeded Bulldogs overpowered third-ranked University of Santo Tomas, 25-21, 30-28, 25-19, to book their spot in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Finals on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Bulldogs will face top-ranked Far Eastern University in a best-of-three Finals showdown, rekindling a familiar rivalry after NU clinched its fifth straight title last season at the expense of FEU.
This also marks NU’s 11th consecutive Finals appearance dating back to Season 75 (2013).
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Sobrang thankful ako sa players ko na pumunta sila dito na ang mindset nila ay kunin yung game… Sobrang happy sa naging performance, although siyempre yung naging problema rin ng UST, mas marami silang unforced errors. Laya nakabwelo kami,” said seven-time champion coach Dante Alinsunurin, as NU capitalized on UST’s 27 unforced errors.
Vryvin Catinsag pushed the Golden Spikers to set point in the second frame, 28-27, after a quick attack capped by a “bang bang” celebration directed at the Bulldogs.
Josh Ybañez, however, committed a service error on the next play to tie the set at 28-all. NU middle blocker Obed Mukaba then delivered a quick hit of his own, celebrating with a primal scream before Dux Yambao was called for a net touch on the next sequence, giving the Bulldogs a commanding 2-0 set lead.
From there, National University took full control, routing UST in the third set as Jade Disquitado, Peng Taguibolos, and Leo Ordiales combined to seal the victory and the Finals berth.
“Kailangan naming mag-rest, mag-viewing, at paghandaan ang dapat naming paghandaan kasi knowing FEU, talagang isa sila sa competitor ngayong season. So kailangan talaga namin paghandaan,” said Michaelo Buddin, who led the Bulldogs with 19 points to go along with 18-of-25 excellent receptions.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Disquitado added 11 points, 10 receptions, and five digs, while Ordiales chipped in nine points. Mukaba finished with seven points, Taguibolos had six, and Greg Ancheta orchestrated the offense with 23 excellent sets.
Jimwell Gapultos also provided steady defense with 14-of-22 excellent digs and 10-of-12 excellent receptions.
The Bulldogs were the only team to defeat FEU this season.
Since Season 75, NU has also won all three of its Finals meetings against the Tamaraws, the league’s most decorated program with 25 titles.
Gboy De Vega paced UST with 14 points and 14-of-19 excellent receptions. Meanwhile, presumptive MVP Josh Ybañez was limited to nine points on 7-of-26 spikes, though he still contributed 16-of-21 excellent receptions on defense.
Backup setter Joshua Avila played his final game in a UST uniform as the Golden Spikers settled for the bronze medal finish.
