The National University claims its fifth straight title after beating Far Eastern University, 25-16, 28-26, 25-23, in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball finals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday (May 17, 2025). NU also bagged the women’s volleyball title. (UAAP photo)
National University (NU) continued its dominance in UAAP men’s volleyball, securing its fifth consecutive championship with a straight-sets win over Far Eastern University (FEU) on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Powered by Leo Ordiales’ 13 points—10 from attacks and three from blocks—the Bulldogs cruised to a 25-16, 28-26, 25-23 victory in Game 3 of the finals series, wrapping up the title in front of 14,517 fans.
Rwenzmel Taguibolos also delivered with 10 points, evenly split between attacks and blocks, while Michaelo Buddin contributed nine attacks and 11 receptions. Leo Aringo Jr. added nine points, including two service aces, and 11 receptions. Setter Greg Ancheta orchestrated the offense with 16 excellent sets, while Obed Mukaba and Jade Disquitado chipped in five and three points, respectively.
The win marks NU’s seventh UAAP men’s volleyball title overall.
“I’m very thankful because this was the most beautiful experience for me in this series,” said head coach Dante Alinsunurin, now a seven-time champion. “Games 1 and 2 were really tight, but maybe our experience in the Finals made the difference.”
Despite a valiant 24-point effort from Dryx Saavedra—who tallied 21 attacks and three blocks—FEU fell short of ending its 13-year title drought. Luis Miguel and Chad Absin added eight and six points, respectively. The Tamaraws had forced the decider after winning Game 1 in a five-set thriller.
NU’s men’s volleyball triumph adds to the university’s stellar UAAP Season 86 campaign, where it also captured championships in women’s volleyball, women’s basketball, women’s beach volleyball, men’s tennis, men’s badminton, baseball, and women’s taekwondo kyorugi—bringing its total titles this season to eight.