Record-Setting Second Set Fuels NU Finals Victory
National University swept Far Eastern University, 25-14, 39-37, 25-22, to take the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge finals opener. The Bulldogs moved within one victory of their first tournament championship since 2022 after Wednesday’s match in San Juan.
NU Serving Pressure Sets Tone Against FEU
Jonash Dannug of Tiebreaker Times chronicled NU’s finals victory at the Filoil EcoOil Centre on Wednesday evening. The Bulldogs dominated the opening set, 25-14, before facing significantly greater resistance during the following two frames.
NU coach Dante Alinsunurin credited the team’s passing and serving for establishing an advantage against the Tamaraws. His assessment emphasized service consistency rather than suggesting NU held a substantial advantage in overall attacking ability.
“Well, ‘yun maganda ‘yung pinasa namin, ‘yung serve namin kaya naging maganda ‘yung resulta ng game,” Alinsunurin said.
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Alinsunurin Credits Bulldogs’ Service Game
Alinsunurin described the teams as closely matched offensively, making NU’s serving execution particularly important throughout the finals opener. His remarks identify a specific tactical factor behind the victory without relying on unsupported assumptions about FEU’s reception.
“Maganda ‘yung pasok ng serve namin and halos dun lang talaga umikot kasi in terms of skills naman saka in terms of offense naman halos sabay. Nakita ko naman, nandun naman, kailangan lang talaga mataas ‘yung porsyento namin,” he added.
Bulldogs Survive Marathon 39-37 Second Set
The second set stretched to 39-37 as both teams exchanged opportunities to finish an unusually prolonged frame. Fourteen set-point opportunities featured in the contest before NU eventually secured a two-set advantage over the Tamaraws.
Leo Ordiales attacked through FEU’s block to move the Bulldogs ahead, 38-37, during the tense closing exchange. Jade Disquitado then scored off the block, ending the marathon set and putting NU ahead by two sets.
Ordiales and Disquitado Finish Extended Battle
Ordiales and Disquitado supplied the final two points of a set that required 76 points to settle. Their consecutive attacks converted NU’s late opportunity after an extended contest featuring repeated chances for both sides.
NU Erases FEU’s Third-Set Advantage
FEU responded to the second-set setback by taking a 17-14 lead during the third frame against NU. Obed Mukaba and Greg Ancheta answered with consecutive blocks, helping the Bulldogs regain control of the set.
NU completed an 11-5 finishing run to take the third set, 25-22, and finish the straight-set victory. The Bulldogs recorded 15 blocks overall, with captain Peng Taguibolos responsible for eight of those defensive points.
Taguibolos Leads Bulldogs’ 15-Block Performance
Taguibolos finished with 12 points, including eight blocks, making him NU’s leading contributor in that scoring category. Mukaba and Ancheta supplied the consecutive third-set blocks that preceded the Bulldogs’ match-clinching closing run.
Buddin and Disquitado Lead Balanced NU Attack
Buds Buddin led NU with 18 points and 20 excellent receptions during the three-set finals victory. Jade Disquitado added 17 points from 14 attacks, two blocks, and one ace, alongside 15 excellent receptions.
The two attackers combined for 35 points, while Leo Ordiales contributed 11 points and nine excellent digs. Setter Greg Ancheta recorded 23 excellent sets, and Jimwell Gapultos added 13 excellent digs for NU.
Bulldogs Receive Production Across Multiple Roles
Buddin and Disquitado each contributed significant reception totals alongside their combined 35 points against FEU on Wednesday. Ancheta’s setting and Gapultos’ digging statistics further document NU’s contributions across different positions during the finals opener.
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NU Moves One Victory From V-League Championship
The victory put NU one win from its first V-League Collegiate Challenge men’s championship since 2022. The Bulldogs entered the next scheduled finals match holding the advantage after Wednesday’s straight-set result against FEU.
Dryx Saavedra and Kyle Tandoc led the Tamaraws with 12 points each despite their team’s opening loss. FEU had challenged NU through the 39-37 second set and led 17-14 during the third before falling.
FEU Faces Must-Win Match After Straight-Set Loss
The second finals match was scheduled for Friday at 5 p.m. at the same San Juan venue. At the time of Wednesday’s opener, NU needed another victory, while FEU needed a win to extend the series.
Analytical Breakdown: The Second Set Set the Tone
NU’s serving pressure disrupted FEU’s offensive rhythm, allowing its blockers to anticipate attacks and establish stronger defensive positioning. Surviving the 39-37 second set demonstrated impressive composure, especially after both teams repeatedly failed to convert decisive opportunities. Taguibolos’ eight blocks give NU another major advantage, but maintaining controlled serving aggression remains essential for closing the championship series.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the NU versus FEU V-League finals score?
National University defeated Far Eastern University in straight sets, 25-14, 39-37, 25-22, during the championship series opener.
Who led NU in scoring against FEU?
Buds Buddin scored 18 points, while Jade Disquitado contributed 17 during NU’s straight-set victory over the Tamaraws.
How many blocks did Peng Taguibolos record?
Taguibolos recorded eight of NU’s 15 blocks while contributing 12 points during the Bulldogs’ finals-opening victory.
What happened during the second set?
NU survived 14 set-point opportunities before winning, 39-37, following consecutive closing attacks from Leo Ordiales and Jade Disquitado.
When was NU scheduled to clinch the V-League championship?
NU’s next opportunity was scheduled for Friday at 5 p.m., when the Bulldogs would face FEU again.
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