MANILA – Negrense star Leo Ordiales powered National University Bulldogs to a historic sixth consecutive UAAP men’s volleyball championship after the Bulldogs swept Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 26-24, 25-22, 25-22, in Game 2 of the Season 88 Finals before 11,526 fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Ordiales unleashed another explosive outing with 24 points built on 23 attacks as NU captured its eighth overall men’s volleyball crown and cemented its dynasty in the league.
The Bulldogs seized control late in the third set after Ordiales erupted for four straight points, transforming a slim 18-16 edge into a decisive cushion that all but crushed FEU’s comeback hopes.
NU closed out the one-hour-and-28-minute contest when middle blocker Obed Mukaba hammered a quick attack for the championship-winning point.
“Bonus na lang ‘yung award kasi ang goal six-peat eh,” said Ordiales, who was also named Finals Most Valuable Player.
The Negrense opposite hitter sustained his scorching form after also firing 22 points in NU’s four-set victory in Game 1.
Despite finishing only second in the elimination round with a 10-4 record, the Bulldogs rediscovered their dominant form in the playoffs, winning three straight matches to extend a title run that began in Season 80.
Head coach Dante Alinsunurin admitted the road to the championship was far from easy.
“Sobrang happy talaga sa ginusto namin dahil nakuha namin yung six-peat. Hindi namin namalayan na makukuha namin ito kasi first round at second round talaga, nag-struggle kami pag dating sa eliminations,” said Alinsunurin.
Jade Disquitado supported Ordiales with 13 points, 15 excellent receptions, and five digs, while Michaelo Buddin added eight points and 17 receptions.
Team captain Peng Taguibolos chipped in seven points highlighted by five blocks, while Mukaba finished with six points, including the title-clinching hit.
FEU, which entered the Finals as the top seed, settled for runner-up honors for the second straight season after losing all three meetings against NU this year.
Mikko Espartero paced the Tamaraws with 17 points, while Amet Bituin added 10. Dryx Saavedra was held to eight points in the loss./PN
