For the NU Bulldogs, dominance isn’t just a standard—it’s a tradition that has been ongoing for 11 straight seasons.
The Bulldogs swept the UST Golden Spikers, 25-21, 30-28, 25-19, to secure a spot in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Volleyball Tournament Finals on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The win kept NU’s six-peat bid alive while extending its remarkable Finals streak to 11 straight appearances dating back to Season 75.
“Sobrang thankful ako sa players ko na pumunta sila dito na ang mindset nila ay kunin ‘yung game… Sobrang happy sa naging performance, although siyempre ‘yung naging problema rin ng UST, mas marami silang unforced errors. Laya nakabwelo kami,” said Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin, as the Golden Spikers committed 27 unforced errors.
UST threatened to steal the second set after Vryvin Catinsag pushed the Golden Spikers to set point, 28-27, following a quick attack. But momentum quickly swung back to NU.
A Josh Ybañez service error leveled the set at 28-all before Obed Mukaba delivered a crucial quick hit. A net touch violation on Dux Yambao then handed the Bulldogs a pivotal 2-0 set advantage.
NU Closes Out in Style
From there, NU imposed its will in the third frame, with Jade Disquitado, Peng Taguibolos, and Leo Ordiales combining to close out the match and seal the Finals berth.
Buds Buddin led the Bulldogs with 19 points and 18 excellent receptions, while Disquitado added 11 points and 10 excellent receptions.
Setter Greg Ancheta orchestrated the offense with 23 excellent sets, while libero Jimwell Gapultos anchored the floor defense with 14 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions.
On the other side, Gboy De Vega paced the Golden Spikers with 14 points and 14 excellent receptions, while presumptive MVP Josh Ybañez was limited to 9 points on an off shooting night.
NU now sets up a familiar Finals clash against the FEU Tamaraws, the only team to hand them a loss this season. The Golden Spikers, on the other hand, finished with a bronze medal, with backup setter Joshua Avila playing his final game in a UST uniform.
