The National University Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Finals against the Far Eastern University Tamaraws. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA (UPDATED) — National University has realized its dream of completing a five-peat in UAAP men's volleyball.
The Bulldogs won their fifth straight championship in their division — a first in the Final 4 era — after sweeping Far Eastern University, 25-16, 28-26, 25-23, in their Season 87 Finals Game 3 bout in front of 14,517 spectators on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
National U has now won every men's title since Season 80 in 2017-18, in turn, halting the Tamaraws' dream of earning what could have been their 26th championship in the league, and first since Season 74 in 2011-2012.
"Sobrang thankful kasi sa series na 'to," said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin after their win. "Ito yung pinaka na-experience ko na sobrang ganda ng laro. Game 1 pa lang hanggang Game 2 talagang dikdikan yung laban."
"Pero siguro, mas nangibabaw yung experience namin sa Finals. Ito naman talaga yung naging goal namin even after in Game 1. At kaya maganda yung resulta kahit na pilit nila kaming pinu-push pababa, yung mga players ko hindi bumigay," he added.
Leo Aringo headed National U's charge, averaging 8.7 points in the Best-of-3 series to be named as the Finals MVP, Leo Ordiales finished with a team-high 13 markers with two digs, while Buds Buddin posted nine points, 11 receptions, and a dig.
READ: Leo Aringo named Finals MVP after leading NU to historic five-peat
"Yung mga players namin suffering from injuries, kaya sobrang thankful ako sa panalong to. As of now, ito yung pinaka maganda sa naging career and championship pagdating rito sa UAAP," furthered Alinsunurin.
The Bulldogs were down 21-19 in the third set as the Tamaraws threatened to extend the contest to Set 4, but NU's championship experience got the better of FEU as they scored four straight attacks to overtake their counterparts, 23-21.
Luis Miguel then halted the four-to-nothing run of the Bulldogs to inch closer, 23-22, but he committed a crucial error that gave their counterparts the championship point, 24-22.
Amet Bituin gave Far Eastern U another chance to stay alive by giving them a point, but Aringo converted on a push shot to deliver National U its fifth-straight championship.
"Sobrang fulfilling, kasi ever since na nag-NU ako, saksi ako sa paghihirap ng NU," commented Aringo on their victory. "Sobrang sarap sa feeling na hindi namin nasayangan yung ganung pagkakataon, lalo na tong 5-peat."
Aringo's heroics also spoiled the comeback hopes of the Tamaraws, who, in the second set, managed to extend the frame after they crawled back from down eight, 20-12.
Dryx Saavedra headed FEU's charge with a game-high 24 points, Miguel followed with eight, while Ariel Cacao tossed 17 excellent sets.
Unfortunately, these went for naught mainly due to their 27 errors, nine of which came in Set 1.
RELATED VIDEO: