Leo Ordiales made sure National University-Archipelago Builders would not let a third-set stumble turn into a full-blown collapse, unleashing a match-high 28 points to steer the Bulldogs past AEP-Cabstars in four sets, 25-18, 25-15, 20-25, 25-20, in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Ordiales hammered down 21 attacks, six kill blocks, and one ace to lead NU’s charge as the Bulldogs bounced back from their third-set setback to improve to a 5-1 record in the tournament.
“Yung ginawa namin is nag-communicate pa lalo kasi nung third set medyo kulang sa communication. Kulang sa pasensya. Masyadong naging relaxed kilos namin, kaya nung fourth set sabi namin reset kami and medyo aggressive kami,” said Ordiales.
(C) Spikers Turf
After failing to put the game away in the third set, NU found itself on the back foot early in the fourth, staring at a 5-9 deficit. However, the Bulldogs refused to let the match slip away, with Ordiales and Luke Macatangay spearheading a decisive 5-0 run to turn the tables and seize a 10-9 advantage.
The Cabstars, however, refused to go quietly, keeping the set within striking distance until the second technical timeout, where the two sides were deadlocked at 16-all.
That was when Jade Disquitado took charge, leading a pivotal 7-3 blitz that gave NU a 23-19 cushion and brought the Bulldogs within reach of victory.
Disquitado then rose to the occasion at the net, stuffing Leo Aringo to put NU at match point.
Aringo managed to save one point with a sharp down-the-line hit, but the Bulldogs would not be denied as Ordiales delivered the finishing blow to seal the victory after an hour and 40 minutes of action.
“Yun nga, sa first part na-control namin ‘yung game. Pero nung third set medyo kami ‘yung nag-struggle kaya sabi ko ‘yung momentum nalipat sa kanila so nung fourth set kailangan ‘yung fourth set, habaan nila ‘yung pasensya nila,” said Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
Macatangay, who filled in for Buds Buddin, tallied 13 points and 17 excellent receptions, while Disquitado also delivered an all-around performance with 13 points, 13 excellent receptions, and seven excellent digs as NU notched back-to-back victories.
Obed Mukaba finished with nine points, including six of the Bulldogs’ 20 kill blocks in the match, while Greg Ancheta dished out 20 excellent sets.
NU will next take on contender Savouge on Sunday at 11 a.m. at the same San Juan venue.
(C) Spikers Turf
Meanwhile, AEP-Cabstars dropped to 1-5 in the standings and is now a loss away from elimination.
Aringo finished with a team-high 16 points and 16 excellent receptions against his former team, while Dave Lardizabal added 13 markers.
The Cabstars will next face 3B on Sunday at 1 p.m. as they look to snap their four-game losing streak.
