NATIONAL University ended University of the East's 11-year reign in UAAP boys volleyball with a 25-23, 23-25, 21-25, 25-18, 15-6 victory on Thursday at the Adamson University gym.
The Bullpups led by Noel Kampton, Raymark Reyes and Allen Bacolor looked set to dominate the tournament but wound up having to play an extended showdown with the Junior Warriors
NU held the twice-to-beat advantage in the title round after sweeping the double-round eliminations, but lost twice to a gritty UE side, including Wednesday's 21-25, 25-19, 28-30, 25-21, 16-18 defeat.
The victory completed a high school volleyball double for the Bullpups, who earlier won a second straight girls volleyball crown.
"Iba ang champion ng 11 years, mahirap talagang i-beat. Kaya nagkaroon kami ng chance na makakuha ng konting sitwasyon na makalamang kami at nakuha naman ng mga bata," said NU coach Ed Barroga.
The Bullpups, who placed third last season, won with a rookie-laden line-up with only three players led by Finals MVP Reyes in their sophomore year.
NU's Kampton and Billie Jean Anima were named the Rookie of the Year and Best Blocker, respectively.
UE's Shaun Ledesma bagged the Season MVP and Best Scorer awards, while his teammates Ralph Imperial and Marc Caballero took home the Best Setter and Best Receiver honors, respectively.
University of Santo Tomas' Eduardo Manuel was named Best Receiver.
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