Finals Berth Earned as Bulldogs Continue V-League Run

RK Medino scored 17 points as National University swept Letran, securing another trip to the V-League Collegiate Challenge Finals. The Bulldogs completed a 25-14, 25-23, 25-20 semifinal victory, setting up another championship showdown against familiar rival Far Eastern University.

NU Responds After Five-Set Game 2 Defeat

Jonash Dannug chronicled NU’s response after Letran denied the Bulldogs a semifinal sweep during their previous meeting. The Knights survived that five-set thriller, 22-25, 25-23, 29-27, 13-25, 20-18, forcing the series into a decisive third match.

NU immediately established control Sunday, dominating the opening set before handling stronger Letran resistance during the next two frames. The Bulldogs completed the straight-set victory in 73 minutes, producing a decisive response after their exhausting Game 2 defeat.

Image from: ABS-CBN

Alinsunurin Credits Bulldogs’ Adjustments

Head coach Dante Alinsunurin credited NU’s adjustments and stronger mindset after Letran extended the semifinal series with its Game 2 victory.

“Sa’kin, na-challenge namin sila after nung game namin kahapon,” said Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin. “Kailangan talaga kung ano ‘yung mga kailangan naming gawin na adjustments, magawa namin today.”

“Yun ‘yon, ‘yung pagpunta nila dito, talagang gusto nilang kunin ‘yung game. Naka-mindset sila na kailangang manalo ngayong araw na ‘to.”

Medino Leads NU With 17 Attack Points

Medino scored all 17 points through attacks, assuming greater offensive responsibility during NU’s most important tournament match so far. His production carried additional significance because Buds Buddin, Leo Ordiales, and Peng Taguibolos remained unavailable following Asian Games duty.

Their absences removed three established options, but several Bulldogs increased their production during the winner-take-all semifinal against Letran. Medino led that response while NU received enough secondary scoring to prevent its attack from depending entirely upon one hitter.

Supporting Cast Steps Up Without National Team Trio

• RK Medino: 17 points, all from attacks
• Jade Disquitado: 13 points and 5 excellent receptions
• Luke Macatangcay: 10 points
• Choi Diao: 7 points
• Obed Mukaba: 6 points

Bulldogs Control Blocking and Attacking Battle

NU finished with a 41-35 attacking advantage while producing a decisive 12-7 edge in blocks during the semifinal victory. The Bulldogs also led 3-2 in aces, while Letran surrendered 19 points through errors compared with NU’s 13.

Greg Ancheta recorded 22 excellent sets and three points, organizing an offense that produced three double-digit scorers despite key absences. Those numbers reflected NU’s balanced execution as the Bulldogs avoided another prolonged battle against the Knights in the deciding match.

Ancheta Directs Balanced NU Offense

Ancheta’s 22 excellent sets helped NU maintain multiple scoring options despite missing Buddin, Ordiales, and Taguibolos against Letran. Medino, Disquitado, and Macatangcay reached double figures, giving the Bulldogs enough production across their available attacking rotation.

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NU Returns to V-League Finals After Four Years

The victory sent NU back into the V-League championship round for the first time since capturing the tournament title in 2022. Reaching another Finals required surviving Letran’s Game 2 resistance before producing a considerably cleaner performance during Sunday’s deciding semifinal.

NU’s 73-minute victory contrasted sharply with the extended five-set defeat that prevented the Bulldogs from completing an earlier series sweep. Their response also demonstrated the available roster’s ability to secure advancement despite missing three players following international competition.

Bulldogs Complete Semifinal Response in 73 Minutes

NU controlled the opening set 25-14 before protecting narrower advantages during 25-23 and 25-20 victories in the following frames. Finishing in straight sets allowed the Bulldogs to complete their semifinal response without another lengthy deciding-set battle against Letran.

NU Renews Championship Rivalry With FEU

NU will face Far Eastern University in Friday’s V-League Finals, renewing a championship rivalry between two familiar collegiate volleyball programs. The Bulldogs and Tamaraws also contested the previous two UAAP men’s volleyball championship series, adding recent history to their latest meeting.

Letran will instead face College of Saint Benilde for third place after falling one victory short of reaching the championship round. Dave Lardizabal led the Knights with 16 points, while Jasper Afgao and Vince Himzon contributed 10 and nine, respectively.

Letran Moves Into Third-Place Match

Lardizabal produced 13 attacks and three blocks within his team-leading 16 points during Letran’s straight-set semifinal defeat. The Knights now shift toward Benilde after their five-set Game 2 victory extended NU before Sunday’s decisive response.

Analytical Breakdown: The Next Test is FEU

Medino’s 17 attack points showed NU’s impressive roster depth despite entering the decisive semifinal without three established offensive weapons. Ancheta’s distribution and NU’s 12 blocks created stability, allowing multiple Bulldogs to contribute without making their offense predictable. Against familiar rival FEU, disciplined serving and reliable reception should determine whether NU can consistently create favorable attacking matchups.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many points did RK Medino score against Letran?

RK Medino scored 17 points, all from attacks, while leading NU’s straight-set semifinal victory over Letran.

What was the NU versus Letran final score?

NU defeated Letran, 25-14, 25-23, 25-20, during the deciding V-League Collegiate Challenge semifinal match in San Juan.

Which NU players were unavailable against Letran?

Buds Buddin, Leo Ordiales, and Peng Taguibolos remained unavailable after completing their Asian Games campaign with Alas Pilipinas.

Who will NU face in the V-League Finals?

National University will face rival Far Eastern University in the V-League Collegiate Challenge championship series beginning Friday.

When did NU last reach the V-League Finals?

NU last reached the V-League Collegiate Challenge Finals during its successful championship campaign in the 2022 tournament.

Disclaimer: Headline Image from V-League on Facebook.