National University will go for the double championship once more in the men's and women's volleyball come UAAP Season 87, which starts February 15.
National University reigned supreme once more in UAAP volleyball after securing the Season 86 title in the men’s and women’s volleyball.
With Season 87 volleyball starting this February 15, the Jhocson-based squad will have the tough task of defending their crowns amidst the growing talent and popularity of the sport.
But who’s to say that NU can’t secure another golden double in volleyball?
For now, let’s look back at the incredible Season 86 campaign of the Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs.
Lady Bulldogs: Redemption Secured
After losing their title in Season 85, the Lady Bulldogs entered Season 86 with one mission: to reclaim the crown.
However, their journey was far from smooth.
NU stumbled early, losing their opening match in straight sets to the UST Golden Tigresses and struggling in a five-set win over Ateneo. A first-round loss to DLSU further fueled doubts about their title hopes.
But the Lady Bulldogs seemingly flipped the script, sweeping the second round with commanding wins, including revenge victories over UST and DLSU. The wins gave NU the top seed heading into the Final Four.
In the semifinals, NU faced a tough challenge from FEU after the Tamaraws forced a do-or-die match.
With their championship hopes on the line, the Lady Bulldogs rose to the occasion, advancing to the Finals for the third straight season.
Against UST, Alyssa Solomon showcased her dominance, delivering back-to-back stellar performances. She scored 17 points in Game 1 and an awe-inspiring 27 in Game 2, leading NU to a sweep of the series.
Bella Belen claimed the MVP title, while Solomon earned Finals MVP honors.
Bulldogs: Four-peat completed
A huge target was on the backs of the Bulldogs after securing the three-peat in Season 85.
Among those was the UST Golden Spikers, who swept the Bulldogs during the elimination round. NU also lost to the DLSU Green Spikers once in the second round.
But none of those mattered come the Final Four as the Dante Alinsunurin-led squad came alive when they needed to be, led by Nico Almendras and Finals MVP Owa Retamar..
Buds Buddin, who missed nine games for NU in the eliminations due to a fractured right hand, has consistently top-scored for the reigning champions en route to the championship.
Now, the Bulldogs have a shot at even more history as they go fo the record-breaking 5-peat in Season 87.
The UAAP Season 87 men’s and women’s volleyball tournament will begin on February 15.