For the NU Bulldogs, two straight losses were more than just setbacks—they were a wake-up call. Just ask Leo Ordiales.
NU rediscovered its form at the right time, outlasting the UST Golden Spikers, 25-22, 20-25, 25-23, 28-26, in a playoff to clinch the No. 2 seed and the last twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The victory not only secured a crucial Final Four incentive but also marked a turning point for a team that had just endured back-to-back five-set losses to the La Salle Green Archers and UST to close the elimination round.
Leo Ordiales, Bulldogs, Breathe Sigh of Relief
At the center of that emotional release was Leo Ordiales, who broke into a celebratory dance moments after match point—symbolizing the Bulldogs’ relief after a difficult stretch.
“Pagod na kasi akong matalo eh, kaya nung nanalo kami, sobrang saya ko kasi talagang lahat ng tinrabaho nung mga araw na ito, talagang nagbunga,” said Ordiales.
The skid had been uncharacteristic for NU, marking its first consecutive elimination-round defeats in a decade. But the Bulldogs managed to regroup just in time, regaining their rhythm heading into the postseason.
With the win, NU now heads into a Final Four rematch against UST armed with a twice-to-beat advantage—adding to the confidence from their earlier first-round victory over the Golden Spikers.
Grounded in Victory
Still, Ordiales remains grounded despite the breakthrough.
“Masaya kami dahil nakuha namin ‘yung number two spot, pero hindi pa ito tapos kasi magkikita ulit kami,” he said.
“Masaya lang ako kasi medyo bumabalik-balik na kami, kasi nung mga previous games, nalugmok talaga kami sa mga talo. Pero ngayon, unti-unti kaming bumabangon, bumabalik sa kung ano kami.”
With momentum regained and stakes rising, NU looks to carry that resurgence into the Final Four—this time with the twice-to-beat advantage on its side.
