The NU Bulldogs opened its 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge campaign with a hard-fought victory against the UST Golden Spikers, 25-16, 25-15, 20-25, 22-25, 16-14, on Saturday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
The Bulldogs appeared headed for a straightforward victory after taking the first two sets, but UST refused to go quietly and forced a deciding fifth set.
The Golden Spikers moved ahead, 12-9, in the final frame, putting NU’s two-set advantage in danger. The Bulldogs, however, leaned on their experienced core to regain the lead at 13-12 before eventually closing out the marathon match.
A net violation gave NU another match point opportunity before Jade Disquitado denied Al Bukhaire Sali’s attempt to keep UST alive, allowing the Bulldogs to escape with the win.
The victory marked NU’s first V-League appearance in three campaigns with its Alas Pilipinas quartet of Peng Taguibolos, Leo Ordiales, Buds Buddin, and Disquitado playing together.
“Siguro nung bandang huli pinakita nila ’yung experience nila tsaka ’yung championship pedigree nila sa bandang huli,” said NU acting coach Dong Dela Cruz, who is filling in for head coach Dante Alinsunurin while he handles PVL duties.
“Kasi nitong mga nakaraan, hindi sila pinapayagan ng national team, kaya wala kaming choice kundi i-enter ’yung ibang players namin. Ngayon, pinayagan na sila sa national team, kaya kumpleto kaming lahat,” he added.
Ordiales paced NU with 19 points, including 17 attacks, while Buddin added 11, and Taguibolos contributed seven. Disquitado finished with 15 points, including three blocks.
Greg Ancheta, the latest addition to the NU contingent in the national team pool, also recorded 17 excellent sets and four points.
Sali led UST with 17 points, while GBoy De Vega contributed 12 points and 11 excellent receptions. Kris Hernandez added 10 points in four sets.
Arellano Holds Off Letran in Four Sets
Earlier, the Arellano Chiefs also secured a winning start after holding off the Letran Knights in four sets, 25-21, 18-25, 25-20, 30-28.
The Chiefs took control in the first and third frames, but the Knights pushed the match to the limit in the fourth, forcing a marathon finish before Arellano finally closed out the contest, 30-28.
CJ Dominguito led the Chiefs with 21 points on 19 attacks, one block, and one service ace, while John Lester Calura added 15 points and provided crucial contributions during the extended fourth set.
“Maganda nilaro ng team namin, pero marami pang dapat i-improve. Kaya malaki talagang tulong ’tong V-League kasi preparation namin sa NCAA,” said Arellano acting head coach Budo Antiquera, who stepped in for Bryan Vitug while the latter handles PVL duties with Nxled.
“Gagawin lang ng mga players ’yung mga dapat naming i-improve. Gagawin lang nila sa practice and then i-a-apply dito, para preparation sa NCAA talaga,” he added.
Arellano will look to make it two straight wins when it faces reigning NCAA champions Benilde Blazers on August 23 at 10 a.m.
Letran saw head coach Jessie Lopez make his debut with the team. Newly appointed captain Dave Lardizabal led the Knights with 26 points in his new role as opposite hitter, while former skipper Vince Himzon added 14 points.
The Knights will look to bounce back against UST on August 23 at 3 p.m.
