MANILA — Despite missing a handful of key players, the National University Bulldogs were still too much for the Arellano Chiefs on Saturday.
National U scored a comfortable 25–20, 25–17, 25–14 sweep of the Chiefs in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge, bouncing back from a previous loss to UAAP rival Far Eastern University.
The Bulldogs got the job done at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City even without Peng Taguibolos, Leo Ordiales, and Buds Buddin, who have now joined the Alas Pilipinas men's national volleyball team at the Asian Games in Japan.
Choi Diao, Godfrey Gambo, Luke Macatangay, and RK Medino stepped up in the crucial match, helping NU move into third place pending the final three matches of the eliminations.
The NU Bulldogs celebrate a point against Arellano in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge, September 26, 2026 at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City. PVL Media
"After nung talo namin against FEU, sinabi ko sa kanila, mag-prepare kasi hindi na makakalaro yung mga Alas players natin. Nag-respond naman sila ngayon do'n sa challenge na binigay natin," said longtime head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
Gambo paced the Bulldogs with 12 points on nine kills, three blocks, and one service ace, while Macatangay and Medino added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Disquitado had a quiet but efficient outing with seven points, three digs, and 11 excellent receptions.
Moving forward, the former national team mentor hopes to see better execution from the reigning six-time UAAP champions come the semifinals.
"Sa 'kin is 'yung pasensya lang sa court. Alam ko naman 'yung kaya nilang gawin, pero minsan nagmamadali sila. Yun yung dapat talaga naming ma-address sa game namin," Alinsunurin shared.
On the other hand, the Chiefs bid the season goodbye after finishing the tournament with a 2–5 win-loss record.
Jiwen Sinuto was the lone Arellano spiker in double figures, finishing with 12 points, all coming from attacks.