National University (NU) stamped its class once more, capturing a fifth consecutive title in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament with a 25-16, 28-26, 25-23 sweep of Far Eastern University (FEU) in their do-or-die finals showdown on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
In front of a record-breaking crowd of 14,517, the Bulldogs rose to the occasion and delivered under pressure, showing championship poise despite being forced into unfamiliar territory — a winner-take-all Game 3, the first in their four-season reign.
“I’m very thankful because in this series, this was my most beautiful experience. In Games 1 and 2, it was really tight. Now maybe, our experience in the finals prevailed,” the Bulldogs head coach and now seven-time champion Dante Alinsunurin said.
NU, which had previously clinched titles via clean two-game sweeps in Seasons 80, 81, 85 and 86, faced a gritty FEU squad that refused to back down. The Bulldogs, however, showed their experience and composure, particularly in the second set, where it nearly squandered a 20-12 lead.
After allowing the Tamaraws to mount a 14-5 rally and surrendering two set points at 24-23 and 26-25, NU turned to Jade Disquitado, who delivered three straight thunderous hits to snatch a pivotal two-set lead.
That momentum was all NU needed to stay in control and seal the championship in straight sets, extending its dominance in the men’s division and making history as the first team in the Final Four era to win five straight UAAP men’s volleyball crowns.
Leo Ordiales spearheaded the Bulldogs’ attack with 13 points off 10 kills and three blocks, while Buds Buddin chipped in nine points.
Finals Most Valuable Player honors went to team captain Leo Aringo, who finished with nine points from seven kills and two aces, on top of 10 excellent receptions.