Reigning champion National University bucked a slow start to repel a gritty Far Eastern University side with a 21-25, 25-19, 21-25, 25-20,15-8 Game 1 win and inch closer to its sixth straight crown in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament Finals opener here before the massive crowd at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Wednesday, May 6.

The Bulldogs showed poise in the seesaw battle, with Alas Pilipinas stars Buds Buddin, Jade Disquitado, and Leo Ordiales taking charge to force a decider before they orchestrated a 7-1 spurt in final frame which proved enough to beat Dryx Saavedra and the gritty Tamaraws.

With its opening victory, the Dante Alinsunurin-mentored squad goes for the jugular in Game 2 this Saturday, May 9, at the same venue.

It was also a different result this time for NU as it can be remembered that it stumbled in the opener of the Season 87 Finals to the very same team but managed to come back in the next two matches to capture the title.

“Sobrang thankful sa naging performance namin, at alam kong magiging challenge… nakalamang sila, dumikit ‘yong laban. Pero ‘yong nga, as long na may tiwala sa bawat isa, makukuha natin ‘yang game,” said Alinsunurin.

"Lagi ko silang nire-remind kung anong meron kakayahan sila as long as tumutulong sila sa team... kailangan mag-perform sila," he added.

Disquitado impressed on both ends after posting 21 points, coming from all attacks, nine excellent digs, and 20 excellent receptions to spearhead the Bulldogs. Ordiales collected 22 points and four digs while Buddin listed 20 points, seven digs, and 18 receptions.

“Inisip lang namin na tiwala lang sa sistema,” said Ordiales. “Kaya inisip lang namin na balik lang sa [system], stay composed lang para makapagisip kami ng maayos at makuha ‘to.”

“Sinasabi ko lang sa kanila na relax lang pag andyan na ‘yong challenges, kasi pag more na nagiging tense gugulo ‘yong sistema. Focus lang and tiwala sa sistema,” Buddin stressed.

Rwenzmel Taguibolos also finished with a double-digit output of 12 points on seven attacks, four blocks, and one ace with two digs, while Greg Ancheta dazzled anew with 31 excellent sets along four digs, and one point. Jimwell Gapultos had six digs, and 12 receptions.

Saavedra paced the Tamaraws with 20 points built on 16 spikes, two blocks, and two aces, while Mikko Espartero logged 14 points, one dig, and 20 receptions. Amet Bituin shone as well with 14 points, three digs, and 19 receptions which all went down the drain.