The NU Bulldogs continue their dominance in UAAP men's volleyball after claiming their fourth-straight title in Season 86.
The road to the four-peat is officially complete for National University after a pulsating four-set win over the University of Santo Tomas, 25-21, 22-25, 25-17, 25-15, in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 86 men's volleyball Finals on Wednesday, May 15 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
With the four-peat, the Bulldogs tied the record for consecutive championships in the Final Four era. The UST Golden Spikers were the first to achieve the feat back in Season 70 to 74.
In front of 17,089 spectators at the MOA Arena, the Bulldogs closed out the Golden Spikers in dominant fashion in the fourth set after building an early six-point lead at 10-4.
UST tried to mount a comeback behind Gboy De Vega and Paul Colinares, however, NU's firepower was simply too much as the Bulldogs rebuilt their lead and even extended it to 10 points at 23-13.
Needing just two more points to seal the championship, the Bulldogs turned to graduating player Nico Almendras, who delivered the final points after connecting on a cross-court attack and an off-the-block hit.
Buds Buddin led NU with 28 points built on 22 attacks, five blocks, and one service ace to go along with 16 excellent receptions. Leo Aringo and Almendras added 21 and 20 markers, respectively, in the title-clinching victory.
Season 86 Best Setter Retamar had 24 excellent setes along with three points in his final game for NU.
After a clean first set victory by the Bulldogs, the Golden Spikers managed to pull one back after a monstrous effort by Season 86 MVP Josh Ybañez.
The Bulldogs, however, did not falter as they grabbed the third and fourth set in convincing fashion for the title.
For UST, Ybañez finished with 24 points along with 14 excellent receptions. The reigning MVP was backed by De Vega, who contributed 15 points and 15 excellent receptions.