Jan Abanilla of National University (right) tries to score against Jiwen Sinuto of Arellano University in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City on Saturday (Aug. 9, 2025). The Bulldogs won, 25-18, 23-25, 25-20, 21-25, 15-9. (Contributed photo)
National University showed poise under pressure, outlasting Arellano University in a nail-biting five-set duel, 25-18, 23-25, 25-20, 21-25, 15-9, to launch its 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge bid on a winning note Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Mac Arvin Bandola powered the Bulldogs with 18 points built on 17 kills, while Luke Anton Carl Macatangay added 17 markers. Jan Abanilla chipped in 13 points, and new team captain Jenngerard Amfranz Diao and Obed Mukaba contributed 10 each, as the five-time UAAP champions sealed the win after two hours and 14 minutes of intense play.
Gunning for their second V-League crown in four years, the Bulldogs relied on their steadier reception in the final stretch.
“Both teams played really well, which is why the match was so close. In the end, it came down to who could receive better. We were able to maximize our passing late in the game, and that gave us the edge,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
NU raced to a 19-14 lead in the opening set, closing it out with a strong 6-4 burst behind Bandola and Diao. Arellano, however, struck back in the second frame, riding the offense of Arman Clarence Guinto and CJ Dominguito to level the match after 28 minutes.
“In the second set, we started slow but managed to catch up. Our offense was working, but unforced errors cost us. It’s a lesson for us to trust our attack more in the crucial moments,” Alinsunurin added.
Bandola led the Bulldogs in retaking control in the third set, but the NCAA champions refused to fold. Guinto and skipper Jiwen Sinuto spearheaded a fourth-set rally to force a decider.
Sinuto finished with a game-high 21 points from 19 kills, a block, and an ace. Guinto delivered 12 points, including three blocks, along with 15 excellent receptions, while Dominguito posted 11 points, 10 of which came from attacks.
Arellano looks to bounce back when it faces De La Salle University at 3 p.m. on Sunday, still at Ynares Sports Arena. NU, meanwhile, will take on La Salle at 12 noon Tuesday at Paco Arena Sports in Manila.