Bulldogs refuse to quit, reclaim V-League crown

National University (NU) showcased its vaunted championship composure, storming back from a two-set deficit to shatter Far Eastern University’s (FEU) three-peat bid with a thrilling 23-26, 19-25, 30-28, 25-21, 16-14 victory in Game 3 and claim the V-League Collegiate Challenge crown on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

The Bulldogs stood on the brink of defeat after dropping the first two sets but battled back from six-point deficits in both the third and deciding frames to complete a stunning comeback and reclaim the title for the first time since 2022.

Staring at a 12-6 deficit in the deciding set, NU found an opening when a string of errors from Kyle Tandooc sparked a 5-0 run, bringing the Bulldogs within striking distance at 11-12 and putting the championship back within reach.

However, just as the comeback gathered steam, Greg Ancheta committed a service error before Dryx Saavedra hammered an off-the-block hit to put the Tamaraws at championship point.

Luis Miguel then unleashed a thunderous attack that grazed the hands of NU’s blockers, sending FEU’s bench into wild celebrations as several Tamaraws dropped to the floor, convinced they had clinched the championship.

The Bulldogs, however, were not ready to surrender.

NU’s coaching staff called for a challenge, and the review revealed that Saavedra had touched the net during the play, overturning the apparent championship-clinching point and giving the Bulldogs one last lifeline.

With NU trailing 12-14 and the championship hanging in the balance, rookie RK Medino emerged as the hero, delivering three of the Bulldogs’ final four points to complete their remarkable comeback and wrest the crown from FEU.