The NU Bulldogs unbeaten run in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference reached 3-0 on Sunday after National University-Archipelago Builders defeated FEU-DN Steel, 25-15, 25-21, 24-26, 25-21, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre. The result gave NU a share of the tournament lead with Clearskiiin and handed FEU its first loss in the event organized by Sports Vision.
The match was a rematch of the V-League Finals. NU, the reigning V-League champions, was denied a straight-set win when FEU rallied to take the extended third set. The Bulldogs regrouped in the fourth to close out the match and improve to 3-0.
NU Bulldogs unbeaten run reaches 3-0
NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin said the victory was the ninth time the two sides had met this year. NU took the first two sets 25-15 and 25-21, but FEU’s third-set rally changed the match’s shape and forced a fourth set.
“We showed something really good. In our passing, in our offense, we controlled the game early, so I am very thankful for my players’ performance,” Alinsunurin said. “This is the ninth time we have faced FEU this year, so I am thankful to the players who never get tired of following what we want to do on the court. They will do everything to win.”
Leo Ordiales closes out the fourth set
With the fourth set tied at 18, Choi Diao broke the deadlock with a quick attack and then blocked Dryx Saavedra at the net. Those back-to-back plays sparked a 5-1 run that put NU ahead, 23-19.
FEU trimmed the deficit to two points after Buds Buddin was whistled for a catch-and-throw violation and Jade Disquitado sent an attack long. Leo Ordiales then delivered back-to-back emphatic attacks to seal the win.
The numbers behind NU’s 3-0 start
Ordiales led NU with a team-high 20 points on 18 attacks and two aces. Buddin finished with 19 points, 14 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs, while Disquitado posted a double-double of 12 points and 23 excellent receptions.
Diao anchored NU’s net defense with five blocks and finished with 10 points. Greg Ancheta orchestrated the offense with 25 excellent sets, and Jimwell Gapultos added 15 excellent digs.
FEU’s first loss and what follows
FEU slipped to 2-1 after opening its campaign with wins over AEP-Cabstars and VNS-Laticrete. Saavedra led the Tamaraws with 20 points. Amet Bituin returned with 15 points and 15 excellent receptions, and Kyle Tandoc added 12 points and 24 excellent receptions.
Bituin and Tandoc had missed FEU’s previous game against the Griffins because of on-the-job training commitments. Their return came in a match FEU lost, leaving the Tamaraws at 2-1.
The NU Bulldogs unbeaten run will be tested by defending champion Criss Cross on November 4 at 1 p.m. at the same venue, with NU looking to extend its winning streak to four games and keep its place atop the standings. FEU will face Savouge on November 4 at 5 p.m.
The original report on this match was published by tiebreakertimes.com.ph.
