SIX AND STRONG: NU dynasty rolls on with 6-peat via FEU series sweep

The NU Bulldogs’ dynasty is mighty as they extend their reign to six straight titles.

Fresh off a five-setter victory in Game 1, the National University (NU) Bulldogs blanked the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, 26–24, 25–22, 25–22, en route to a historic six-peat during Game 2 of the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball finals at the MOA Arena, May 9.

Painting the top podium in blue-and-gold since Season 80, NU has now captured its eighth crown after completing 11-straight finals appearances in the men’s volleyball collegiate scene.

Leo Ordiales received the UAAP S88 Finals MVP nod after frontgunning the Bulldogs with 24 points built on a 64% efficiency on attacks (23-of-36).

Backstopping Ordiales were Jade Disquitado and Michaelo Buddin, who combined for 21 markers while tallying 15 and 17 receptions, respectively.

Inspired and unfazed to close out the series, the Jhocson-based squad overcame a tense opening set where they squandered three set points due to consecutive errors after capitalizing on the latter’s faults to draw first blood in the extended set.

Rallying late, the Bulldogs cruised into a commanding 6–1 avalanche as Buddin stitched a crosscourt hit to pull away 23–19, capped off by a two-point spurt by Ordiales to nab match point.

From then on, all the blue-and-gold-clad men did was close out steadily.

Setting an early tempo, NU team captain Rwenzmel Taguibolos poured effort on both ends of the floor, chipping in block and attack points to tow his squad to a 4–2 start.

Activating his killer instincts, Ordiales would open his personal offensive floodgates as he went on a solo four-point run to hand a five-point cushion for his squad, 15–10.

Riding his wind, NU’s newly minted Best Opposite Spiker showed no signs of cooling off as he went on a lone four-point burst through backrow and crosscourt hits for a four-point lead, 22–18.

Demonstrating their championship pedigree, the Bulldogs maintained their composure as Buddin and Disquitado led the team to championship match point, where Obed Mukaba secured the victory with a powerful kill.

Despite the loss, Mikko Espartero and Amet Bituin still suited up with grit as they emerged to be the only Tamaraws to finish with double-digits, registering 17 and 10 points, respectively.

With the win, the Bulldogs will vie to recalibrate this offseason as they eye retaining history in the next edition of the UAAP men’s volleyball.