NATIONAL University earned its first title Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference title, dominating University of Sto. Tomas, 25-21, 25-18, 25-14, on Wednesday to complete a finals sweep at the Arena in San Juan City.
The Bulldogs brought home the gold after runner-up finishes in the defunct Spikers’ Turf and the first season of the PVL.
“Siyempre sobrang laki three years namin ito sinubukan. Sumasali kami rito palagi lang kaming runner-up ngayon nakuha na namin. Nagpapasalamat ao sana magtuloy-tuloy lang hanggang sa UAAP,” said NU coach Dante Alinsunurin.
NU now holds two titles after ruling the UAAP Season 80 crown.
Bryan Bagunas nailed the two title-clinching points capped by a game-winning back row hit, finishing with 20 points off 18 spikes.
Madz Gampong delivered 11 hits, while rookie Angelo Almendras had an all-around game with 10 markers, 11 excellent receptions and eight digs, while libero Ricky Marcos had 17 digs and 11 receptions.
Unlike the four-set series opener, the Bulldogs were much stronger in the clincher, demolishing the Tiger Spikers in 64 minutes.
“Medyo talagang lumamang na kami sa umpisa pa lang sa service receive namin, nacontrol na namin talaga kaya pumasok na rin ‘yung blocking namin. ‘Yung opensa namin tumaas na rin ang porsiyento kahit anong set ang ginagawa namin nakakapuntos kami,” Alinsunurin said.
The Bulldogs dominated the Tiger Spikers in attacks with a 38-33 differential and a 15-6 disparity in blockings and committed only 13 miscues compared to 22 errors by UST.
Genesis Redido had 11 points and made seven excellent receptions, while Joshua Umandal added 10 markers as the Tiger Spikers settled for silver.
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