Reporting note: this article draws on tiebreakertimes.com.ph; LodiScore provides the summary and editorial framing.
Bulldogs Dominate Winner-Take-All Clash to Reach First V-League Finals Since 2022
Talk about making a statement when the stakes are at their absolute highest! National University secured its spot in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge Finals on Sunday, dismantling Colegio de San Juan de Letran in a clinical straight-sets sweep, 25-14, 25-23, 25-20, at the FilOil Centre in San Juan City.
The Bulldogs made sure there would be no repeat of their agonizing Game 2 heartbreak. After Letran halted NU's potential series sweep with a wild five-set escape last Sunday, the Bulldogs came out firing on all cylinders to punch their ticket back to the tournament's championship round for the first time since winning the crown in 2022.
“Sa’kin, na-challenge namin sila after nung game namin kahapon,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin. “Kailangan talaga kung ano ‘yung mga kailangan naming gawin na adjustments, magawa namin today. Yun ‘yon, ‘yung pagpunta nila dito, talagang gusto nilang kunin ‘yung game. Naka-mindset sila na kailangang manalo ngayong araw na ‘to.”
Rookie RK Medino Steps Up with Stellar 17-Point Outing
With star spikers Buds Buddin, Leo Ordiales, and Peng Taguibolos unavailable after concluding their national team duties with Alas Pilipinas at the 20th Asian Games in Japan, NU needed someone to anchor the frontline—and rookie RK Medino answered the call in massive fashion! Medino erupted for a game-high 17 points, tallying every single one off sharp attacking maneuvers.
The supporting cast fired on cue as well. Jade Disquitado provided 13 points alongside five excellent receptions, while Luke Macatangcay delivered 10 points. Middle presence was solid throughout, with Choi Diao and Obed Mukaba contributing seven and six points, respectively. Playmaker Greg Ancheta smoothly steered the offense with 22 excellent sets and chipped in three points of his own, wrapping up the match in just 73 minutes.
Stat Sheet and What’s Next: A Classic UAAP Rivalry Recharged
NU established total control across the board, finishing with a 41-35 edge in attacks, a dominant 12-7 margin in blocks, and a 3-2 service advantage. The Bulldogs also stayed sharp under pressure, committing just 13 errors while forcing Letran into 19 miscues.
Dave Lardizabal paced the Knights with 16 points (13 attacks, three blocks), while Jasper Afgao and Vince Himzon added 10 and nine points in the defeat.
Up next is a heavyweight matchup fans know all too well! NU will face longtime rival Far Eastern University (FEU) in the championship round, renewing an electric rivalry that headlined the last two UAAP Finals. Game 1 of the Finals is set for Friday. Meanwhile, Letran shifts its focus to the battle for third place against College of Saint Benilde, also slated for Friday.
