Manila: National University (NU) showcased its commanding performance Saturday to clinch its fifth consecutive title in the UAAP men's volleyball tournament.
According to Philippines News Agency, Leo Ordiales led the charge by scoring 13 points through 10 attacks and three blocks, guiding the Bulldogs to a decisive 25-16, 28-26, 25-23 victory over the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws in Game 3 of their championship series. The match was witnessed by 14,517 fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Rwenzmel Taguibolos contributed 10 points, equally divided between attacks and blocks, while Michaelo Buddin delivered nine attacks and 11 receptions. Leo Aringo Jr. added nine points, with seven attacks and two aces, alongside 11 receptions for the Bulldogs. The team effort was complemented by Obed Mukaba's five points, Jade Disquitado's three points, and Greg Ancheta's 16 excellent sets, culminating in NU's seventh overall title.
Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin, now a seven-time champion, expressed his gratitude, stating, "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," after the one-hour-and-30-minute match.
FEU's Dryx Saavedra delivered a formidable performance with 24 points, including 21 attacks and three blocks, yet it fell short of ending the Tamaraws' 13-year championship drought. Luis Miguel and Chad Absin added eight and six points, respectively, for FEU, who had previously won Game 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
NU's victory marks its eighth title this season, adding to their triumphs in women's volleyball, women's basketball, women's beach volleyball, men's tennis, men's badminton, baseball, and women's taekwondo kyorugi.
