The NU Bulldogs turned a rare late-season stumble into momentum, booking an 11th straight Finals appearance in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Volleyball Tournament.
After absorbing back-to-back losses to close the eliminations—their first such skid at that stage in a decade—the Bulldogs regrouped, took down the UST Golden Spikers in a playoff for the second twice-to-beat edge, and then overpowered the same team in the Final Four, 25-21, 30-28, 25-19, to punch their ticket to the championship round.
For Buds Buddin, the adversity proved to be a turning point rather than a setback.
“Actually, magandang experience na ganito ‘yung nangyari sa amin, na natalo kami nang twice, nakaangat kami. Kasi doon mati-test ‘yung mentality namin eh, kung paano pa kami ulit umangat,” said Buddin after their semifinal win.
“Mas naging magandang preparation siya going into Finals kasi na-test ‘yung character namin sa loob ng court. And ‘yung attitude namin outside the court, doon kami mas nasubukan, doon namin mas nakilala ‘yung isa’t isa kung sino ba talaga kami,” he added.
“Doon mas na-build ‘yung trust sa isa’t isa. Kumbaga naniwala kami sa lahat, sa teammate, sa coaches, sa sistema. Lahat nagbunga.”
Buds Buddin Walks the Walk as NU Gears Up for Title Chase
Buddin led the Bulldogs with 19 points and 18 excellent receptions in the clincher, while Jade Disquitado added 11 points, 10 receptions, and 5 digs.
NU now heads into a familiar Finals matchup against the FEU Tamaraws, renewing their rivalry after last season’s title showdown where the Bulldogs rallied from a Game 1 loss to secure the championship.
Head coach Dante Alinsunurin pointed to their repeated battles with UST as a key factor in sharpening the team heading into the Final Four.
“Siguro ‘yung experience talaga, kaya lumamang kami this game kasi ilang beses na namin silang kalaban. Siguro ‘yung adjustment ng players ko, madali nilang nakuha. Nakuha agad namin ‘yung game,” said Alinsunurin.
“Thankful ako sa mga naging sitwasyon namin kahit ‘yung mga coaches ko, tumulong talaga para mapadali ‘yung laro ngayon.”
With their rhythm regained and chemistry strengthened, the Bulldogs head into the Finals looking to extend their dynasty—this time, armed with lessons forged from a rare moment of vulnerability.
