National University and University of Santo Tomas kicked off their redemption bids in style, carving out contrasting victories to open their 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge campaigns on Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The reigning UAAP five-time champions Bulldogs survived a gritty challenge from NCAA kings Arellano University, eking out a thrilling five-set triumph, 25-18, 23-25, 25-20, 21-25, 15-9, to start their bid for a second title in the league since 2022.
Later in the day, the Golden Spikers flexed their depth and cohesion in a quick sweep of Ateneo de Manila University, 25-19, 25-17, 25-19, signaling their intent to finally capture the crown that has eluded them since the tournament’s post-pandemic return.
For NU, Mac Bandola led the way with 18 points on 17 attacks, while Jan Abanilla added 13 markers, including the two early blows that set the tone for the Bulldogs in the decisive fifth frame.
But it was new captain Choi Diao who delivered the clincher—a middle hit on the counterattack that sealed the two-hour battle.
“Both teams talaga naging maganda ‘yung laro kaya naging ganito ang resulta… Kung sinong mataas ang efficiency sa receive, ‘yun ang mananalo. Na-maximize lang namin nung huli,” said longtime NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin, praising his squad’s composure in the endgame.
The Bulldogs drew first blood after outlasting Arellano in a tight opener, but the Chiefs—behind AC Guinto and skipper Jiwen Sinuto—stormed to an early cushion in the second before closing it out to level the match.
NU regained the upper hand in the third with Bandola’s heavy hits, only for Arellano to answer in the fourth to force a decider. In the end, NU’s steadier reception and transition attack proved decisive.
Sinuto topscored for Arellano with 21 points, while Guinto added 12, including three blocks.
(C) V-League
In contrast, UST’s win over Ateneo was far more straightforward.
The Golden Spikers, runners-up in the tournament’s past two editions before missing the podium last year, showed poise and efficiency across three sets.
Senior hitter GBoy De Vega and JJ Macam each scored 10 points, with Macam also tallying seven excellent receptions, while Al Bukharie Sali led all scorers with 12 markers.
“Maganda ‘yung naging first game namin… Pero medyo off pa rin kasi may mga kaunting lapses,” noted UST assistant coach Benjamin Mape, who called the shots in the absence of head coach Odjie Mamon.
He praised the team’s mix of veterans and first-years for adapting to the system early in the tournament.
UST broke away late in the first set through De Vega and Macam’s firepower, before cruising in the second behind steady playmaking from captain and setter Dux Yambao, who dished out 20 excellent sets.
The Golden Spikers closed the match on an 8-4 finishing kick after Ateneo trimmed the third-set deficit to two.
No Blue Eagle reached double figures, with Rodge Alejo scoring nine and Jian Salarzon adding eight in a match where Ateneo’s 32 errors proved costly.
