On a stage built for legacies, it was two up-and-coming faces who lit the path to glory.
National University proved its dynasty runs deeper than its veterans as rookies Leo Ordiales and Peng Taguibolos delivered clutch performances to power the Bulldogs past a gritty Far Eastern University squad and seal a historic five-peat in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament.
With mainstays Buds Buddin and team captain Leo Aringo anchoring the squad, it was the newcomers who stole the spotlight.
Ordiales and Taguibolos led the scoring charge in the 25-16, 28-26, 25-23 title-clinching sweep of the Tamaraws before a roaring, division-record crowd of 14,517 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday afternoon.
Ordiales had already shown promise during the elimination round, providing reliable offense behind Buddin and Aringo. The 22-year-old opposite hitter finished the preliminaries ranked 20th in scoring with 125 points off 101 attacks, 18 blocks, and six aces.
But it was under the Finals pressure where he shone brightest.
In his first championship appearance, Ordiales averaged 15 points per game across the title series, culminating in a team-high 13-point output in the deciding Game 3. His emergence proved vital in NU’s fifth straight crown — the first ‘five-peat’ in the UAAP Final Four era.
“Sobrang saya kasi talagang nagtulungan kami at nag-share-share ng kanya-kanyang idea tapos nag-iisang desisyon kaya nakuha namin yung panalo,” said the pride of Talisay City, Negros Occidental.
“Salamat din sa coaches namin dahil nandiyan sila lagi na gumagabay sa amin sa lahat ng ginagawa namin.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Taguibolos, also playing in his first UAAP season, anchored the middle for the Bulldogs throughout the year.
The transferee from Arellano University – Juan Sumulong Campus ended the eliminations as the seventh-best scoring middle blocker with 102 points built on 71 attacks, 28 blocks, and three aces.
In the championship decider, the 6-foot-3 middle blocker came up clutch, recording 10 points on five attacks and a game-high five blocks.
One of those blocks — a monster denial of FEU ace Dryx Saavedra — broke a 21-all tie in the third set and set the tone for the Bulldogs’ final push to the crown.
“Sobrang saya ko kasi sinabi rin ng mga coaches na hindi madali at hindi agad ibibigay itong championship na ito sa amin. Kailangan namin pagtrabahuin,” Taguibolos said.
“Parang nasa isip lang ng bawat isa sa amin na nandito na kami, bakit hindi pa namin i-push?” he continued.
“One last push talaga itong pinakita namin ngayon. Sa tulong naman ng Diyos, nakapag-perform kami nang maayos.”
NU’s journey to the top was not just about defending a title — it was about upholding a legacy.
With Owa Retamar and Nico Almendras having moved on, the Bulldogs needed new heroes to step up — and Ordiales and Taguibolos answered the call.
As the team looks ahead to Season 88, the two rookies feel determined to carry the torch and keep the Bulldogs’ dynasty alive.
“Handa kaming magtrabaho pa lalo. Hindi kami titigil,” said Ordiales.
“Ang goal namin, manatili sa taas.”
