NU's Leo Ordiales in action against La Salle in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge, August 16, 2026 at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City. PVL Media
MANILA -- National University took the solo lead in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge after sweeping De La Salle University on Sunday.
The Bulldogs came through with a 25–23, 25–16, 25–20 triumph against the Green Spikers at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City to record a second win in as many days.
NU had fended off University of Santo Tomas in its first game on Saturday behind the strong performance of their Alas Pilipinas standouts.
Those same players came through for the Bulldogs anew in their match against La Salle, with Leo Ordiales' attack and Jade Disquitado's kill block giving them a 23-19 lead in the third set.
READ: Alas standouts power National U past UST in V-League
Following a service error by Eugene Gloria, Disquitado came through with another rejection, this time denying Yoyong Mendoza to wrap up the victory and give NU a second straight win.
"Sabi ko nga sa kanila kahapon, lesson learned 'yon na hindi dapat mag-relax hangga't di natatapos yung laro. Ngayon, nakuha nila yung laro at natapos nila in straight sets," said coach Dong Dela Cruz, who continues to call the shots while head coach Dante Alinsunurin remains on club duties.
Buds Buddin delivered another consistent performance to help NU move to a 2–0 start, finishing with 16 points.
Buddin scattered 12 attacks, two blocks, and two service aces to stifle La Salle's comeback attempts throughout the match.
Disquitado and Ordiales backstopped him with 12 points apiece. Disquitado also added 11 excellent receptions, while Ordiales chipped in three digs.
The Bulldogs will look to make it three straight wins in as many playdates when they face the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights on Saturday at noon.
"We have five days to prepare again. Andyan naman yung mga conditioning coaches, alam naman na nila yung, gagawin. At sempre si coach Dante pagbalik niya, yung training na gawin. Andoon pa rin naman yon," Dela Cruz added.
Gloria was La Salle's lone double-digit scorer with 10 points, while Issa Ousseini impressed as an outside hitter with seven markers and 14 excellent receptions.
The Green Spikers will look to bounce back against the Mapua University Cardinals the following day, also at noon, at the same Mandaluyong venue.