MANILA -- National University needed five sets to take care of business against a tough Arellano University squad in its first game of the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge, Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
In a clash between reigning collegiate champions, the Bulldogs showed more bite in claiming a hard-earned 25-18, 23-25, 25-20, 21-25, 15-9 victory.
Mac Bandola led the five-time UAAP champions with 18 points built on 17 attacks, while Jan Abanilla added 13 markers, including a pair of clutch spikes that swung the momentum late in the match.
Newly-appointed team captain Choi Diao also proved to be a difference-maker, as the middle blocker anchored National U's net defense and delivered the match-clinching point.
The NU Bulldogs during their match against Arellano in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge, August 9, 2025 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. PVL Media
"Both teams talaga naging maganda 'yung laro kaya nagging ganito ang resulta. Siguro, 'yung naging sitwasyon lang is lumamang kami nung bandang dulo sa pasa namin. Naglabanan kami sa kung sinong maka-receive lang 'eh. Kung sinong mataas ang efficiency sa receive, 'yung ang mananalo. Na-maximize lang namin nung huli, kaya medyo nakalayo na rin kami at nakuha namin 'tong panalo," said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
In the first set, both teams battled closely as first-day jitters rattled their nerves. NU eventually found its rhythm leaning on its trademark net defense and floor coverage as their primary strategy, enabling them to build a 19-14 cushion on Abanilla's ace.
But the Chiefs refused to go down and fought back behind Bandola's powerful blast and Diao's block as NU closed out with 6-4 riun to gain the head-start.
Arellano, however, battled back in the next frame as AC Guinto, one of their key holdovers from that title run in NCAA Season 100, spearheaded the Chiefs ‘ strong start, 10-3.
Though the Bulldogs recovered and even grabbed the lead, 21-20, behind the troika of Bandola, Diao and Obed Mukaba and incoming rookie, Luke Macatangay, the Chiefs proved clutch with Cj Domiguito delivering with a decisive finish in transition.
"Nung second set, talagang naging slow start kami, pero nahabol rin namin at nagka-chance pa kaming makuha 'yung set. Pero siguro, 'yung unforced errors lang namin, kasi ando'n na 'yung opensa namin. May chance na kami makuha 'yung break point pero pero hindi namin nakuha. Siguro lesson learned sa 'min na sa bandang dulo talaga dapat manigurado kami sa opensa namin," Alinsunurin added.
Back-to-back attacks from Abanilla, including a dig that went over the Arellano's side of the court, and miscommunication errors from the latter turned an 11-all count into a 14-11 cushion for NU in the swing set.
With the Chiefs keeping the game close, Bandola showcased the form that netted him the UAAP Season 82 High School Boys' Finals MVP honors. A cross-court hit and a kill off an overpass keyed the Bulldogs' strong finishing kick and into a 2-1 set lead.
The NCAA titleholders, however, kept coming back as Guinto and skipper Jiwen Sinuto took charge for the Chiefs, pouring in most of their combined 33 points in that stretch.
Sinuto finished with a game-high 21 points on 19 attacks, one block, and one ace, while Guinto produced 12 markers, including three blocks.
NU will take on De La Salle University on Tuesday at 12 noon at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center.
Arellano, however, will have the first crack at the same squad on Sunday, at 3 p.m. at the same venue.