NU Clinches Spot in Finals, Set for FEU Rematch

National University’s quest for a "six-peat" remains intact as the second-seeded Bulldogs triumphed over third-seeded University of Santo Tomas, 25-21, 30-28, 25-19, to secure a place in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Finals on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Bulldogs are now set to face top-seeded Far Eastern University in a best-of-three Finals series, renewing their rivalry after NU claimed its fifth consecutive title last season, defeating FEU in the championship.

This marks NU’s 11th straight Finals appearance, dating back to Season 75 in 2013.

"I’m so thankful to my players for coming in with the mindset to win this game," said coach Dante Alinsunurin, a seven-time champion. "I’m really happy with their performance, although we also benefited from UST’s 27 unforced errors."

UST’s Vryvin Catinsag brought the Golden Spikers to set point in the second set at 28-27 with a quick attack and a celebratory “bang bang” gesture aimed at the Bulldogs. However, Josh Ybañez made a service error on the next point, tying the set at 28-all. NU’s Obed Mukaba responded with a quick strike, followed by a primal celebration, before Dux Yambao committed a net touch, allowing the Bulldogs to seize a 2-0 set lead.

NU then dominated the third set, with Jade Disquitado, Peng Taguibolos, and Leo Ordiales combining to finish off the match and secure the Finals spot.

“We need to rest, review, and prepare for FEU because we know they are a strong competitor this season,” said Michaelo Buddin, who led the Bulldogs with 19 points and 18-of-25 excellent receptions.

Disquitado contributed 11 points, 10 receptions, and five digs, while Ordiales added nine points. Mukaba finished with seven points, Taguibolos had six, and Greg Ancheta set up the offense with 23 excellent sets. Jimwell Gapultos provided solid defense with 14-of-22 excellent digs and 10-of-12 excellent receptions.

NU is the only team to have defeated FEU this season, and the Bulldogs have won all three of their Finals matchups with the Tamaraws since Season 75. FEU, the league’s most decorated program with 25 titles, will be a tough opponent for NU.

For UST, Gboy De Vega led the charge with 14 points and 14-of-19 excellent receptions, while presumptive MVP Josh Ybañez was limited to nine points on 7-of-26 spikes but still contributed defensively with 16-of-21 excellent receptions. Backup setter Joshua Avila played his final game for UST, as the Golden Spikers settled for the bronze medal.