The NU Bulldogs. UAAP MediaMANILA, Philippines – Defending UAAP men’s volleyball champion National University regained its winning form, overcoming a first-set setback to defeat University of the Philippines, 23-25, 25-14, 25-20, 25-23, Wednesday morning at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Bouncing back from a four-set loss to the De La Salle University Green Spikers last Sunday, the Bulldogs solidified their hold on solo second place with a 7-2 record. They now enjoy a one-and-a-half-game cushion over third-running Ateneo de Manila University and La Salle, both at 5-3.

The victory also extended NU’s dominance over UP, marking their 13th consecutive win against the Fighting Maroons, dating back to a second-round triumph in Season 78 on March 20, 2016.

“Based sa performance namin sa mga past game namin, lagi kaming naghahabol sa lahat ng game namin,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin. "Wala pa kaming malinis na panalo, talagang pinaghihirapan ng players ko kung paano kami makaestablish ng game.

"Sabi ko nga, kung ano ‘man maging situation namin, at least panalo pa rin kami, kung ano ‘man maging challenge namin every game, at least nasusubukan kami."

"As I always say, no matter the situation, at least we’re still winning. Whatever challenges we face each game, at least we’re being tested."

The fourth set saw both teams locked at 17-all before UP briefly took a 20-18 lead behind a running hit from Angelo Lipata and a crosscourt attack from Nigerian wing spiker Olayemi Raheem. However, Leo Ordiales, who was subbed in at 21-22, stepped up to deliver two crucial points as NU sealed its seventh win in nine outings.

Earlier in the match, Michaelo Buddin sparked NU’s third-set surge with three straight points—an offspeed hit followed by back-to-back crosscourt attacks—before Jade Disquitado delivered the final blow, giving the Bulldogs a 2-1 set advantage.

In the second set, NU raced to a commanding 20-13 lead and never looked back, leveling the match at one set apiece. Key contributions came from a block and quick attack by Peng Taguibolos, an ace from Greg Ancheta, and attack errors by Tommy Castrodes and Raheem.

The Fighting Maroons had a strong start, building a six-point lead in the opening set. Though NU clawed back to within 23-22, Raheem’s crosscourt hit and a quick attack from Dan Nicolas allowed UP to strike first.

“Nag-focus lang kami sa blockings tsaka sa pasa. Nagusap-usap lang kami na huwag namin madaliin yung game kasi pag minadali namin yung game, mas lalo kaming nagkakamali at lumalabas yung error namin. Naging composed lang kami,” Disquitado shared.

Disquitado powered NU with 22 points on 21 attacks and one block, along with 20 excellent receptions and six excellent digs. Leo Aringo contributed 19 points, while Buddin tallied 17 points on 16 attacks and one ace, adding 11 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs.

Congolese middle blocker Obed Mukaba added 10 points, delivering five attacks, four blocks, and one ace. Taguibolos chipped in seven points, registering five attacks, one block, and one ace.

Ancheta orchestrated the offense with 20 excellent sets and two points, while Jimwell Gapultos provided stability in defense with nine excellent digs and nine excellent receptions.

NU now turns its attention to a crucial matchup against undefeated Far Eastern University on Sunday, March 30, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Meanwhile, the loss dropped UP to solo seventh place in the eight-team standings with a 2-7 record, breaking its previous tie with Adamson University.

Raheem was the lone double-digit scorer for the Fighting Maroons, delivering 26 points on 24 attacks, one block, and one ace, along with six excellent digs. Lipata and Nicolas chipped in seven points each in the losing effort.

Louise Aballe distributed 17 excellent sets and scored four points, while Nino Bersano tallied 14 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions.

UP will look to snap its two-game skid when it faces winless University of the East on the same date and venue.