By Jean Malanum
MANILA – National University (NU) seeks to claim its fifth straight crown while Far Eastern University (FEU) aims to end a 13-year title drought when they clash at 2 p.m. on Saturday in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball finals at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Bulldogs have the momentum after prevailing in Game 2 (25-20, 22-25, 25-15, 18-25, 15-11) before a record 9,977 fans last Wednesday to force the rubber match.
A victory will complete NU’s golden double for a second consecutive season as the Lady Bulldogs also triumphed early this week.
“Well, I think it’s their trust in us. Their trust that every time, whoever the player we bring in or choose… they know that we repay that trust. That’s what I see, and that’s why our NU volleyball program continues to rise,” NU coach Dante Alinsunurin explained as the Bulldogs’ program remained sound despite losing key players from last season’s title run.
Led by Michaelo Buddin, the Bulldogs displayed their championship experience to bounce back after losing in Game 1 (25-22, 22-25, 25-13, 22-25, 13-15).
“I think our maturity on the court came out more. Our experience really showed. Also, I think one of our advantages was our blocking. We were able to check and convert those into points. That’s where the momentum started, and it went our way,” said Buddin, who scored 20 points in Game 2.
Meanwhile, coach Eddieson Orcullo is optimistic that FEU, the winningest team in the league with 25 titles, can stop NU.
“What happened in our game, I think, was a test of character for each of us—coaches, players, and supporters. That’s when you really see who’s truly on your side. When you’re winning, everyone’s with you. But in this kind of situation, that’s when you see who really is,” said Orcullo.
“It’s really an advantage when you get ahead. I think we just have to work on it again. We need to get ahead because if they always take the lead, it’s really hard to catch up. When they lead by five or six, it’s very difficult to grind and chase,” he added. (PNA)
