National University closed its rollercoaster run in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge preliminaries on a winning note, rallying past Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 12-25, 25-19, 25-20, 25-23, on Monday at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.
In front of their seniors and Alas Pilipinas members Michaelo Buddin, Peng Taguibolos, Jade Disquitado, and Leo Ordiales, the younger Bulldogs leaned on the inspired play of Joelbert Doromal and Luke Macatangay in the fourth set to seal the match in one hour and 29 minutes.
NU wrapped up the preliminaries with a 3-4 record, good for fifth place, while the Knights finished seventh at 2-5.
"Siyempre happy ako sa naging performance namin, especially dito sa last game namint," said long-time NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
"Kasi first set pa lang binigyan na kami ng magandang laban ng Letran, pagdating ng second, third, and fourth, nag-respond naman sila sa binigay kong challenge sa kanila kaya thankful ako sa naging panalo namin at siyempre sa mga players na nagtrabaho talaga at sumunod sa gusto naming mangyari sa court."
After a disastrous first set—uncharacteristic of NU volleyball—the Bulldogs found their rhythm in the succeeding frames. They tightened their transition plays and capitalized on their passing, allowing prized recruit and setter Andrei Bolabola to dish out 24 excellent sets.
With their offense in sync, NU hammered 51 attack points, led by Doromal and Macatangay, who each tallied 13 spikes. Both outside hitters finished with 14 markers apiece, while Migs Egger chipped in 12 points, including three blocks.
For Letran, Dave Lardizabal delivered a solid outing against his former high school squad, scoring 16 points. However, the Knights struggled to sustain the momentum from their rousing first-set win.
