Defending champion National University (NU) heads into its sixth straight title hunt in Season 88 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s volleyball tournament coming off a tough two-week camp in Japan.

Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin said sustaining their momentum and staying versatile will be their asset as they gun for the school’s eighth overall title.

NU will open its campaign against University of Santo Tomas on Sunday at 11 a.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“Based on our lineup and experience, our main focus was learning how to win. Before, we were always looking for others to teach us,” Alinsunurin told DAILY TRIBUNE.

“We shifted our mindset toward building a winning identity as a team.”

NU completed a rare five-peat in Season 87 after beating Far Eastern University in their best-of-three title series.

To make sure to have all bases covered, the Bulldogs conducted a two-week camp from 12 to 26 January in Tokyo and Osaka.

“We continued our program just like we do every year. We had international training camps where we evaluated what we should improve and what steps we need to take moving forward. I’m very thankful that our program continues to support that kind of development,” Alinsunurin said.

“We worked on strengthening chemistry, especially since some of the players hadn’t competed for six to eight months. During the camp, we focused on how to win together as a group.”

NU will be heavy favorite to win the UAAP crown once again as Alas Pilipinas men’s team members Buds Buddin, Jade Disquitado, Peng Taguibolos and Leo Ordiales banner the squad.

With Alinsunurin also juggling his duties with Choco Mucho in the Premier Volleyball League, he is thankful his players can execute their plays even if he isn’t present all the time.

“I’ve been doing this for a long time, so it’s really about time management. I’m fortunate because I don’t always have to be physically present with them,” Alinsunurin said.