AS the dust settled, the crown still found its way back to National University (NU).
Despite a difficult path to the top, the ending remained the same as the Bulldogs swept the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws in Game 2 of the Finals, 26-24, 25-22, 25-22, to complete a “six-peat” in the UAAP men’s volleyball tournament on Saturday.
In front of an electric crowd of 11,526 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, NU showed unwavering resolve and composure to extend its dynasty to six straight championships dating back to Season 80 (2018).
The victory also marked the Bulldogs’ eighth title overall, the fourth-most in the division, all achieved over the last 11 seasons.
Despite finishing second in the elimination round with a 10-4 record and stumbling into the playoffs on back-to-back losses, NU proved that nothing else mattered in the postseason, stringing together three straight wins to claim the championship.
In Game 2, the Bulldogs wasted no time asserting their dominance.
With NU holding a slim 18-16 lead in the third set, eventual Finals Most Valuable Player Leo Ordiales took charge, scoring four straight points in a personal 4-2 run to stretch the gap to 22-18.
A series of exchanges between both sides brought NU to match point after Jade Disquitado’s powerful crosscourt hit made it 24-20.
FEU attempted a late push with two consecutive points, but NU middle blocker Obed Mukaba sealed the championship with a quick kill, finishing the match in just one hour and 28 minutes.
“The award is just a bonus because our goal was really the six-peat,” said Ordiales, who delivered 24 points in the sweep, including an impressive 23-of-36 attacking efficiency.
The 6-foot-6 opposite hitter also led NU in Game 1, finishing with 22 points on 20 attacks and two blocks in a 21-25, 25-19, 21-25, 25-20, 15-8 victory.
Disquitado added 13 points while Michaelo “Buds” Buddin contributed eight points.
