National University (NU) turned back De La Salle University in thrilling fashion, 25-23, 25-16, 25-20, to seize the solo lead in the ongoing 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge preliminaries late Sunday at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

After dealing with a stubborn University of Santo Tomas side, the reigning six-time University Athletic Association of the Philippines champions once again leaned on clutch plays from their Alas Pilipinas products to remain unbeaten through two matches.

A strong spike from Leo Ordiales and a solid kill block from Jade Disquitado pulled the Bulldogs within two points of completing the sweep, 23–19.

Following a service error by Eugene Gloria, Disquitado came through with another rejection, this time denying Yoyong Mendoza to wrap up the victory and give NU a second straight win.

Buds Buddin delivered another consistent performance to help NU move to a 2–0 start, finishing with 16 points.

Buddin scattered 12 attacks, two blocks, and two service aces to stifle La Salle's comeback attempts throughout the match.

Disquitado and Ordiales backstopped him with 12 points apiece. Disquitado also added 11 excellent receptions, while Ordiales chipped in three digs.

The Bulldogs will look to make it three straight wins in as many playdates when they face the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights on Saturday at noon.

Gloria was La Salle's lone double-digit scorer with 10 points, while Issa Ousseini impressed as an outside hitter with seven markers and 14 excellent receptions.

The Green Spikers will look to bounce back against the Mapua University Cardinals the following day, also at noon, at the same Mandaluyong venue.