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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Collegiate devider NU repeats over FEU, completes rare UAAP men's six-peat

NU repeats over FEU, completes rare UAAP men's six-peat

Published May 9, 2026 02:44 pm

At A Glance

  • National University flexed its might once more and blanked Far Eastern University, 26-24, 25-22, 25-22, to complete a rare six-peat in the UAAP Season 88 men's volleyball tournament before a massive crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Saturday, May 9.
The NU Bulldogs complete a rare six-peat in UAAP Season 88 men's volleyball tournament. (UAAP Media)
The NU Bulldogs complete a rare six-peat in UAAP Season 88 men's volleyball tournament. (UAAP Media)
National University flexed its might once more and blanked Far Eastern University, 26-24, 25-22, 25-22, to complete a rare six-peat in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament before a massive crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Saturday, May 9.
After a close fight in the series opener, Game 2 turned out as a lopsided affair where the Bulldogs, powered by Alas Pilipinas stars Buds Buddin, Jade Disquitado, and eventual Finals MVP Leo Ordiales, overcame an extended first set before completely dominating the next two frames and repeat over the gritty Tamaraws.
NU hoisted its sixth straight title – the longest in the Final Four era – and behind FEU’s 12 straight championships from 1946 to 1958.
It was also the eight overall title for Dante Alinsunurin as the Bulldogs head coach.
"Sobrang happy kasi sa mga struggle namin during the elimination, happy ako kasi 'yong  mga players ko respond well, sobrang thankful talaga ako," said Alinsunurin. 
FEU, on the other hand, extended its title futility to 14 years as it last snared a UAAP crown in Season 74 (2012).
Dryx Saavedra and company also fell to their second straight Finals defeat.
Ordiales, this year’s Best Opposite Spiker, paced NU offensively with 22 points with four digs, while Disquitado collected 21 points, nine excellent digs, and 20 excellent receptions. Buddin, who was named as second Best Outside Spiker, posted 20 points, seven digs, and 18 receptions.
"'Yon nga nakuha namin, sobrang saya po, yon 'yong goal namin, bonus nalang 'yong award, kasi 'yon talaga 'yong goal namin is mag-six peat eh," said Ordiales.
Rwenzmel Taguibolos also impressed off 12 points and two digs, while Obed Mukaba added nine points. Greg Ancheta shone with 31 excellent sets, four digs, and one point. Jimwell Gapultos listed six digs and 12 receptions for NU.
Mikko Espartero led FEU’s assault with 17 points, six digs, and seven receptions, while Amet Bituin and Saavedra chipped in 10 and eight points, respectively, in a losing cause.
Meanwhile, Josh Ybañez, who recently committed to exhaust his final playing year with UST, reclaimed the Most Valuable Player honor this Season 88 after having no individual accolades last year due to injuries.
Ybañez took the trophy with a league’s best 90.192 statistical points (SP) to become the first University of Santo Tomas men’s volleyball player to be named as MVP thrice.
“Actually, I really didn’t take it as something na makakapagpa-pressure sa akin. Instead, this MVP is a motivation for me and a confidence boost to do better and to lead the team kung ano pang magagawa ko next year," the 23-year-old Ybañez said.
“As what I have said sa previous interviews, it is not my goal. Welcome ito sa akin, but that’s not what I’m chasing. Bonus na lang itong binigay ni God. Thank you, God. I'm grateful for this, pero alam niyo naman talaga ang pinaka-goal ko dito sa UAAP,” he added.
Ybañez also won his third Best Outside Spiker award with 329 ranking points (RP), while De La Salle University’s Issa Ousseini and Far Eastern University’s Lirick Mendoza were named Best Middle Blockers.
FEU’s Ariel Cacao eked past Ateneo de Manila University’s Enzo Gutierrez (197) for the Best Setter plum with 200 RP, just 13 points lead. FEU’s Vennie Ceballos secured the Best Libero award, while Adamson University’s Richard Besorio was feted as Rookie of the Year, becoming only the second Soaring Falcon to win the award after Karlle Nikko Ramirez in UAAP Season 75.
The Golden Spikers took home the bronze  honor to conclude their Season 88 run on the podium.

Related Tags

NU Bulldogs FEU Tamaraws Dante Alinsunurin Buds Buddin UAAP Season 88
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