The National University Bulldogs are marching back to the UAAP men’s volleyball finals — for the 10th straight season — after sweeping University of Santo Tomas, 25-23, 25-23, 25-23, in a do-or-die Final Four showdown on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With the win, NU sets up a much-anticipated Best-of-Three Finals series against Far Eastern University, which opens this Sunday, May 11 at 1:00 p.m., also at the Big Dome.
Leo Ordiales led the charge with 20 points and two digs, while Jade Disquitado backed him up with 14 points and 11 receptions. Returning from a right ankle injury, Buds Buddin made a key impact with 7 points, 9 receptions, and 2 digs — and came through in the clutch when NU needed him most.
“Sobrang thankful ako sa binigay na panalo ng players ko,” NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin said. “Ang ganda ng ginawa namin… lalo na sa matchups, doon talaga kami bumawi.”
Down 23-21 in the second set and with UST threatening to tie the match, NU rattled off four straight points to steal the frame. They rode that momentum into the third set, closing the game with back-to-back kills from Buddin and Disquitado in another tense 23-all situation.
This win doesn’t just keep NU’s five-peat hopes alive — it also cements their dynasty. The Bulldogs now tie the De La Salle Lady Spikers’ record of 10 consecutive finals appearances (Seasons 71–80). NU has either reached the finals or won the championship in every season since 2013, barring the COVID-19 cancellations.
For UST, the loss denies them a third straight finals appearance. They will settle for third — their best finish since Season 77 in 2015. Despite the defeat, Josh Ybañez shone with 13 points, 13 receptions, and 5 digs, while Gboy De Vega contributed 11 markers and 16 receptions.