La Salle Stuns NU in Season Finale, Denies Bulldogs Twice-to-Beat Advantage

De La Salle University saved its best for last, snapping a three-game losing streak with a thrilling 16-25, 26-24, 20-25, 26-24, 17-15 victory over defending champion National University in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament on Sunday afternoon at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

Much like their hard-fought first-round win over the Bulldogs on March 15, the Green Archers mounted a courageous comeback, led by the efforts of Yoyong Mendoza, Chris Hernandez, and Eugene Gloria, to deny NU the chance to secure the twice-to-beat advantage outright.

With the win, La Salle ended its season with a 5-9 record, missing the Final Four for the first time since Season 81 (2019). The victory also halted NU’s five-game win streak, dropping the Bulldogs to a 10-3 slate.

“We just wanted to end our season on a high note. Even though we knew we wouldn’t make the Final Four, we wanted to show everyone what La Salle is all about. Despite the setbacks and challenges we faced, we made sure to show who we truly are,” said Green Spikers head coach Jose Roque.

In a thrilling fifth set, the teams exchanged blows until La Salle broke a 12-all deadlock. A costly attack error by Luke Macatangay and a block-defying hit from Chris Hernandez gave the Green Archers a 14-12 lead.

NU quickly responded with Leo Ordiales’ off-the-block attack and a Buds Buddin crosscourt strike to tie the score at 14-all.

The Bulldogs gained match point momentarily after an attack error by MJ Fortuna, but La Salle remained poised under pressure. Eric Layug, a graduating middle blocker, hit a quick attack, and Hernandez sealed the win with a crosscourt strike, giving La Salle a 16-15 advantage.

Looking to extend the match, Buddin attempted a crosscourt hit that was initially ruled a check ball, but La Salle successfully challenged for a block touch, confirming the win after a two-hour, 12-minute battle.

“This season, we’ve been through a lot as a team. We’ll use these experiences to improve and make sure we play the game we know next year. I promise we’ll be better and fight harder to make the Final Four,” Hernandez said after finishing with 17 points, including 15 attacks, two blocks, 19 excellent receptions, and 12 excellent digs.

Mendoza also contributed 17 points, while Gloria added 16 points, 19 excellent receptions, and 10 excellent digs. Layug was efficient with 11 points on 10-of-17 attacking, while Fortuna and Cameroonian middle blocker Issa Ousseini each chipped in seven points.

Rookie libero Sherwin Retiro contributed nine excellent receptions and seven excellent digs, while Enzo Regidor dished out 29 excellent sets.

The Green Spikers will lose key players, including Layug, team captain JJ Rodriguez, and libero Neil Flores, heading into Season 89.

For the Bulldogs, the loss came at a critical time, as they now face a must-win match against the University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers on Wednesday, April 22, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

A victory for NU would secure the final twice-to-beat advantage, while a win for UST would force a playoff for the second seed and the important postseason bonus.

Ordiales led NU with 28 points, including 25 attacks, two blocks, and one ace, while Disquitado added 22 points, 11 excellent receptions, and nine excellent digs.

Buddin finished with 16 points, including 11 attacks, three blocks, and two aces, along with 10 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs. Congolese middle blocker Obed Mukaba contributed 11 points, with six blocks and five attacks.

Greg Ancheta provided 27 excellent sets, and Jimwell Gapultos registered 26 excellent receptions and 13 excellent digs.