Reporting note: this article draws on tiebreakertimes.com.ph; LodiScore provides the summary and editorial framing.
Bulldogs Take Game 1 After Wild Marathon Frame
Talk about an absolute thriller! National University moved just one win away from lifting the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge crown after battling past Far Eastern University in straight sets, 25-14, 39-37, 25-22, on Wednesday night at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
While the final scoreline reads like a sweep, this match was anything but routine. After blitzing through the opening frame, the Bulldogs found themselves locked in an unforgettable second-set slugfest that required every ounce of grit to survive!
A 39-37 Second Set for the Ages
The second set delivered pure volleyball theater as both squads traded haymakers across a staggering 14 set points. With neither side refusing to blink, Leo Ordiales soared over the Tamaraws' blockers to nudge NU ahead, 38-37. Jade Disquitado then stepped up in the clutch, hammering an off-the-block kill to finally seal the marathon frame and give NU a commanding 2-0 advantage.
FEU did not go away quietly, pushing back in the third set to build a 17-14 lead. But NU's defense flipped the momentum in an instant. Back-to-back blocks from Obed Mukaba and Greg Ancheta ignited a match-closing 11-5 run to slam the door shut in one hour and 33 minutes.
“Well, ‘yun maganda ‘yung pinasa namin, ‘yung serve namin kaya naging maganda ‘yung resulta ng game,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin. “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. Nakita ko naman, nandun naman, kailangan lang talaga mataas ‘yung porsyento namin.”
Buddin, Disquitado, and Net Defense Carry the Day
Buds Buddin spearheaded the Bulldogs' charge with a stellar all-around showing, racking up 18 points alongside 20 excellent receptions. Disquitado was right behind him, dropping 17 points with 14 attacks, two blocks, and an ace, while adding 15 receptions.
NU's presence at the net proved decisive throughout the contest:
- Team captain Peng Taguibolos turned the net into a fortress, tallying 12 points with eight of NU's 15 total blocks!
- Leo Ordiales tallied 11 markers and nine excellent digs.
- Playmaker Greg Ancheta dished out 23 excellent sets to run a balanced offense.
- Libero Jimwell Gapultos collected 13 excellent digs to keep rallies alive.
FEU was led by Dryx Saavedra and Kyle Tandoc, who finished with 12 points apiece in the defeat.
What Comes Next
The victory puts National University on the brink of capturing its first V-League title in four years! The Bulldogs will attempt to sweep the best-of-three championship series in Game 2 on Friday at 5:00 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, while the Tamaraws must win to force a do-or-die Game 3.
