For the ninth straight season, National University is in the Finals.
The second-ranked Bulldogs finished third seed De La Salle Green Spikers in just one game, 25-23, 22-25, 25-22, 25-21, to advance to the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball best-of-three finale on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
NU’s dominance in the division continues as in the past eight seasons, it secured five golds and three silvers. It is gunning for a fourth consecutive crown now.
The Bulldogs now await the winner in the do-or-die match between top seed FEU Tamaraws and fourth-ranked UST Golden Spikers, currently battling as of publishing time.
Game 1 of the best-of-three title series is on Saturday at the Big Dome.
NU swept FEU in the eliminations while UST won both times against NU.
“Ngayong season talagang hindi naging madali yung daan namin papuntang Finals. Credit sa players ko and coaching staff ko pati sa management,” said Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
In the tight endings of the third and fourth frames, Jade Disquitado and Michaelo Buddin delivered for NU.
Disquitado, who did not play a single minute in the past two games, showed his readiness when he was called upon, drilling a kill from the pipe that put the Bulldogs at set point in the third followed by an attack error by Vince Maglinao for the NU 2-1 set lead.
Then Buddin, who missed the first nine games of the season, brought the Bulldogs at match point in the fourth with a sharp crosscourt hit while Disquitado ended the match with a push shot for the win in two hours and five minutes.
Buddin led NU’s offense with 23 points on 19 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, he laced with 11 excellent receptions.
Nico Almendras was also solid in three sets with 14 points while Leo Aringo had 11 points to his name.
Disquitado posted eight points in limited minutes while Joshua Retamar tossed 21 excellent sets along with a team-high five blocks.
Mano Sumagui was also spectacular with 19 excellent receptions and 10 digs.
Vince Maglinao backed him up with 17 points but Noel Kampton was held to just 12 points.