Jade Disquitado of NU in action against UST in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge, August 15, 2026 at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City. PVL Media
MANILA -- National University banked on its Alas Pilipinas standouts to turn back University of Santo Tomas in its first game of the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge, Saturday at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
The quartet of Peng Taguibolos, Leo Ordiales, Buds Buddin, and Jade Disquitado powered NU past UST, 25–16, 25–15, 20–25, 22–25, 16–14, in a nearly two-hour marathon.
Down 9–12 in the decider, Ordiales and Disquitado made up for their previous errors as they helped NU turn the tables and take a 13–12 lead, putting the Bulldogs within striking distance of sealing the match.
Al Bukhaire Sali and Kris Hernandez tried to keep the Golden Spikers in the fight, but a net fault by GBoy De Vega handed the match-point advantage back to the Bulldogs.
Disquitado then singlehandedly stopped Sali's attempt to end the match in NU's favor, finishing with 15 points, including three blocks.
"Siguro nung bandang huli pinakita nila 'yung experience nila tsaka 'yung championship pedigree nila sa bandang huli," said acting coach Dong Dela Cruz, who is filling in for head coach Dante Alinsunurin, who is currently handling PVL club duties.
"Kasi nitong mga nakaraan, hindi sıla pinapayagan ng national team kaya Wala kaming choice kundi i-enter yung ibang players namin. Ngayon, pinayagan na sila sa national team, kaya kumpleto kaming lahat," the former national team deputy added.
Ordiales added 19 points, including 17 from attacks, while Buddin and Taguibolos contributed 11 and seven markers, respectively.
Greg Ancheta, the latest addition to the NU contingent in the national team, was steady with 17 excellent sets and four points.
The Bulldogs will have less than 24 hours to recover before seeking another win against the 2023 champions, De La Salle University Green Spikers, on Sunday at 5 p.m.
Sali, who is also part of the Alas Pilipinas pool, led UST in forcing a fifth set with 17 points. Hernandez chipped in 10 markers in four sets, while De Vega added 12 points and 11 excellent receptions.
The Golden Spikers will have an even shorter turnaround as they take on Colegio de San Juan de Letran earlier Sunday at 3 p.m.