The NU Bulldogs moved within one win of the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge championship after sweeping FE Tamaraws, 25-14, 39-37, 25-22, in Game 1 on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Bulldogs made quick work of the opening set but had to survive an extended second-set battle before finding another gear late in the third to take a 1-0 series lead.
NU Survives Marathon Second, Then Finishes Off FEU
FEU refused to let the match slip away after the opening frame, pushing NU through 14 set points in the second. The Tamaraws finally looked poised to take the set, but Leo Ordiales delivered to put the Bulldogs ahead, 38-37, before Jade Disquitado finished the marathon with an off-the-block hit.
NU then trailed 14-17 in the third set, but Obed Mukaba and Greg Ancheta responded with consecutive blocks to ignite an 11-5 closing run that sealed the sweep.
“Maganda ’yung pasok ng serve namin and halos dun lang talaga umikot kasi in terms of skills naman saka in terms of offense naman halos sabay,” said Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin. “Nakita ko naman, nandun naman, kailangan lang talaga mataas ’yung porsyento namin.”
Top Dogs Show Out
Buds Buddin led the Bulldogs with 18 points and 20 excellent receptions, while Disquitado added 17 points on 14 attacks, 2 blocks, and 1 ace, along with 15 excellent receptions. Peng Taguibolos contributed 12 points, including 8 of NU’s 15 blocks. Ordiales chipped in 11 points and 9 excellent digs, while Ancheta tallied 23 excellent sets, and Jimwell Gapultos anchored the defense with 13 excellent digs.
Dryx Saavedra and Kyle Tandoc paced FEU with 12 points apiece.
The Bulldogs will try to close out the series and claim the V-League title on Friday, October 9, at 5:00 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
