MANILA — Defending champions National University Lady Bulldogs and National University Bulldogs enter the UAAP Season 88 volleyball tournament as the teams to beat, with both squads armed with championship pedigree, international experience, and largely intact lineups determined to extend their dominance.
The Lady Bulldogs are gunning for a third consecutive title despite the departure of former standouts Mhicaela Belen and Alyssa Solomon. NU, however, remains formidable with veteran setter Lams Lamina and outside hitter Vange Alinsug anchoring the squad, bolstered by rookie Sam Cantada in a retooled system under new head coach Regine Diego.
“I don’t feel I’m new with NU since I was here before. I’m very happy to share the court with everyone and hopefully we defend the championship,” said Diego, who previously handled the school’s girls program.
On the men’s side, the Bulldogs are equally poised to sustain their winning run, leaning on a battle-tested core led by Peng Taguibolos, Leo Ordiales, Buds Buddin, and Jade Disquitado — all of whom represented the Philippines in the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship.
Their international exposure has only heightened expectations for a program already accustomed to the spotlight.
“Sa amin naman, every season kasi nandiyan na ‘yung pressure ‘eh. Pero sa amin, ang importante talaga ay ma-solve lang ‘yung nagiging problema namin sa laro and syempre, hindi lang sa laro pero sa labas din ng training namin. Ang importante lang sa amin yung magkaroon ng mindset na every time na nasa court kami, ibigay namin yung best namin palagi,” Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin added.
NU begins its title defense against University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers on February 15 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, setting the stage for what could be another season defined by gold-and-blue supremacy./PN
