Action between the NU Bulldogs and the FEU Tamaraws in the second round of the UAAP Season 87 men's volleyball tournament, March 30, 2025 at the Araneta Coliseum. UAAP Media

MANILA -- National University, seeking a fifth straight crown, and Far Eastern University, targeting a return to the top, will contest the UAAP Season 87 men's volleyball championship starting Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

First serve is at 1:00 p.m., with the top-seeded Tamaraws eyeing to claim their first men's volleyball title since 2019.

To do so, they must topple the National U dynasty that is banking on new stars led by Buds Buddin and Leo to sustain their form.

READ: FEU men overwhelm La Salle to enter Season 87 Finals

READ: National U marches back to men's volley Finals after sweeping UST

For coach Eddieson Orcullo, their chemistry will be their backbone as they look to build on a 13-1 campaign in the elimination round -- with the Bulldogs having given them their lone loss.

"Dapat nakafocus kami sa present, kung paano namin haharapin yung Finals. Yung mabigyan ako ng opportunity na maupo ako sa puwesto ko ngayon, laking bagay na 'eh. Siguro, walang titigil, 'yon naman 'yon 'eh. Tatrabahuin pa namin, tutal nandito naman yung mga bata. Trabaho, trabaho, trabaho," said Orcullo, who is on his second season manning the Tamaraws sidelines.

"Tsaka pinakaimporante kasi yung volleyball sa amin, parang 'yon yung hininga namin. Pag walang volleyball, parang kulang yung araw namin. Kaya siguro gumagaan yung trabaho namin dahil mahal namin yung isa't-isa," he added.

NU coach Dante Alinsunurin, for his part, wants the Bulldogs to bring the same mindset that carried them in the last four Championships.

"Continue lang talaga yung ginagawa namin kung anong mindset namin every game, every practice at kung ano pa yung adjustment sa game, pagaaralan pa rin namin kung anong dapat gawin kahit dalawang beses na namin nakalaban," said Alinsunurin.

The Bulldogs had kept the Tamaraws from a perfect elimination round campaign with a hard-earned five-set win last March 30.

READ: No sweep in men's volley as NU stuns FEU in 5 sets