LONG as the road might've been, first to cross the finish line was still National U.
The Bulldogs overcame an uneven trek to the finals before leaving no doubt against Far Eastern University, 26-24, 25-22, 25-22, in Game 2 on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena to complete a historic six-peat in UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball.
Before a crowd of 11,526, NU yet again flexed the championship poise that has defined the program for years, ensuring the continuation of what is now the longest-running dynasty in men's volleyball.
The victory also claimed the Bulldogs' eighth overall championship, all coming in the last 11 years, further cementing their rise as one of the modern era’s defining powerhouses.
“Hindi namin namalayan na makukuha namin ito kasi first round at second round talaga, nag-struggle kami,” said head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
“Sobrang thankful ako na nakuha namin ito. At sa players ko na buong-tiwala binigay sa amin at sa coaches na sumuporta sa amin.”
Resilience over dominance
Unlike its dominant title runs of the past, this title demanded resilience from National U.
The Bulldogs entered the playoffs as the No. 2 seed with a 10-4 record and even stumbled into the postseason with consecutive defeats, only to rediscover their championship form at the perfect time.
That same composure surfaced anew in the deciding moments of Game 2.
Clinging to an 18-16 lead in the third set, Finals MVP Leo Ordiales erupted for four unanswered points to create separation before Obed Mukaba finished off the Tamaraws for good with the title-clinching quick attack.
“Bonus na lang ‘yung award kasi ang goal talaga namin ay ‘yung six-peat eh,” said Ordiales after dropping 24 points in the clincher.
Jade Disquitado backed him up with 13 points, while Buds Buddin and Peng Taguibolos anchored the Bulldogs' floor defense and net protection throughout the match.
For FEU, the wait continues after yet another painful finals loss against NU despite entering the finals as the top seed, a direct carbon copy of Season 87.
The Tams have now been ring-less for 11 straight seasons - and once more, it was the Bulldogs who got in the way.
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