National University showcased its vaunted championship composure, storming back from a two-set deficit to shatter Far Eastern University’s three-peat bid with a thrilling 23-26, 19-25, 30-28, 25-21, 16-14 victory in Game Three and claim the V-League Collegiate Challenge crown on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Bulldogs stood on the brink of defeat after dropping the first two sets but battled back from six-point deficits in both the third and deciding frames to complete a stunning comeback and reclaim the title for the first time since 2022.
Staring at a 12-6 deficit in the deciding set, NU found an opening when a string of errors from Kyle Tandooc sparked a 5-0 run, bringing the Bulldogs within striking distance at 11-12 and putting the championship back within reach.
However, just as the comeback gathered steam, Greg Ancheta committed a service error before Dryx Saavedra hammered an off-the-block hit to put the Tamaraws at championship point.
Luis Miguel then unleashed a thunderous attack that grazed the hands of NU’s blockers, sending FEU’s bench into wild celebrations as several Tamaraws dropped to the floor, convinced they had clinched the championship.
The Bulldogs, however, were not ready to surrender.
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NU’s coaching staff called for a challenge, and the review revealed that Saavedra had touched the net during the play, overturning the apparent championship-clinching point and giving the Bulldogs one last lifeline.
With NU trailing 12-14 and the championship hanging in the balance, rookie RK Medino emerged as the hero, delivering three of the Bulldogs’ final four points to complete their remarkable comeback and wrest the crown from FEU.
“Well, siyempre sobrang thankful ako sa kanya kasi kaya naman kaming nakarating dito dahil sa kanya eh. Kaya sabi ko, it’s time na kapag may problema, si RK talaga ang bubunutin ko,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
“Syempre sobrang happy ako sa naging performance namin kahit na off kami nung first and second sets, sabi ko sa mga player ko kailangan nating tiyagain, unti-untiin natin ‘yung mga pwede nating gawin. Sobrang aggressive ng kalaban, so kailangan sabayan namin,” Alinsunurin added.
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Medino, who replaced Leo Ordiales in the starting lineup in the third set, erupted for 25 points, all from attacks, to lead the Bulldogs’ title-clinching victory.
Buddin, whose efforts in the third set helped NU overcome a 22-16 deficit and force a fourth frame, contributed 18 points. Jade Disquitado, who was named Finals MVP, delivered a monster double-double of 17 points and 24 excellent receptions in the two-hour, 19-minute match.
Greg Ancheta orchestrated the offense with 25 excellent sets. Godfrey Gambo added 12 points, while Choi Diao and Ordiales finished with 10 and eight points, respectively.
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Season MVP Saavedra led all scorers with 27 points in a losing effort, while Amet Bituin and Tandooc chipped in 17 points apiece and recorded 16 excellent receptions each. Rhodson Du-ot, meanwhile, dished out 27 excellent sets.
Although their V-League campaigns have come to a close, NU and FEU will continue competing, with both teams securing spots in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference after finishing as the top two teams in the Collegiate Challenge.
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In the individual awards, Saavedra also claimed the Best Opposite Spiker award to go with his Season MVP honors.
Bituin of FEU and Disquitado of NU were named Best Outside Hitters, while Doula Ndongala of FEU and Vince Himzon of Letran shared the Best Middle Blocker honors.
Du-ot of FEU was named Best Setter, while Cordero of Letran took home the Best Libero award to complete the Mythical Team.
