National University survives Ateneo in three close sets, moves closer to Final Four

National University narrowly defeated Ateneo de Manila University in three tightly contested sets, 25-21, 25-23, 27-25, to move closer to securing a spot in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Saturday.

With the win, the Bulldogs improved to an 8-2 record, just half a game behind league leaders Far Eastern University (8-1). A victory against Adamson University on Easter Sunday at the same venue would guarantee NU at least a playoff for a semifinals berth. The Bulldogs have been a consistent Final Four contender since Season 75.

“Lahat naman ng team ngayong second round ay nagsi-step up eh, so hindi puwedeng — kumbaga, tapos na lahat ng adjustments. Lahat talaga lumalakas ngayon so pinaghahandaan namin sa training,” said NU deputy Dong Dela Cruz, as head coach Dante Alinsunurin had to rush to the Ninoy Aquino Stadium to oversee Choco Mucho's match against Akari in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.

The Blue Eagles controlled the early lead in the third set, holding a 18-15 advantage. However, the Bulldogs mounted a comeback with key contributions from Michaelo Buddin, Peng Taguibolos, and some errors from Ateneo, extending the set to tie it at 24-all.

Aimar Okeke gave Ateneo a second set point with a sharp down-the-line kill, but NU responded with an Ateneo service error to level the score once more. Then, Jade Disquitado delivered a crosscourt hit to hand NU its first match point. A final attack from Julio Yu sailed out, sealing the victory for the Bulldogs in one hour and 25 minutes and ending Ateneo’s three-game winning streak.

Buddin led NU with 19 points, including 16 spikes, two blocks, and an ace, alongside five receptions and four digs. Leo Ordiales added 11 points, while Disquitado contributed eight points, nine receptions, and five digs. Taguibolos added six points, including four blocks, and Jimwell Gapultos impressed with 17 excellent receptions and seven digs.

For Ateneo, Okeke led the charge with 19 points, including 14 attacks, four blocks, and an ace, along with eight receptions and four digs. Despite his strong performance, the Blue Eagles fell to a 5-5 record, still in fourth place but only half a game ahead of fifth-place De La Salle Green Spikers (4-5). Yu added seven points and five receptions off the bench.

Ateneo will aim to bounce back on April 8 against University of the Philippines at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.