Four-time defending champion NU hasn’t lost a Finals opener in eight years. Can the Bulldogs continue the streak against the top seed FEU Tamaraws?
National University clawed through adversity, limped past injuries, and barked back every time its men's volleyball dynasty was doubted.
Now, the Bulldogs are once again on the cusp of greatness—poised to chase an unprecedented fifth consecutive title as they open their UAAP Season 87 Finals series against the top-seeded FEU Tamaraws on Sunday, May 11, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Match time is at 1:00 p.m.
With history and legacy on the line, the four-time defending champions will look to ride the momentum of their emphatic Final Four win over rival UST Golden Spikers in a win-or-go-home situation.
[ALSO READ: NU keeps five-peat bid alive after staving off UST in Final Four rubber match]
That led to the Bulldogs matching the DLSU Lady Spikers for the longest Finals streak in UAAP Final Four history, both now with 10 straight appearances.
Leo Ordiales led the charge against UST with 20 points, while Jade Disquitado added 14 in that close sweep.
Buds Buddin, sidelined by a right ankle sprain for two matches, returned with seven points, while Greg Ancheta expertly orchestrated the flow with 18 excellent sets.
[ALSO READ: Buds Buddin cries ‘tears of joy’ after injury return in NU’s Final Four victory vs UST]
And while their upcoming duel with FEU brings back echoes of their Season 81 title clash – where NU swept the Tamaraws to begin this championship streak — this year’s face-off promises a tighter contest.
[ALSO READ: NU Bulldogs chase immortality in 5-peat quest vs FEU in UAAP Season 87 Finals]
The Bulldogs are also the only team to beat FEU this UAAP Season 87, avenging their first-round defeat with a gutsy five-set slugfest last March 20.
(With reports from Pao Ambat)
—
[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]