High five for NU Bulldogs

MANILA, Philippines — It’s National U’s world and every UAAP team is just living in it.

The Bulldogs wiped out the Far Eastern U Tamaraws, 25-16, 28-26, 25-23, in the winner-take-all Game 3 to complete a five-peat championship in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

NU saved its best for last, sweeping the top-ranked FEU in only 90 minutes to complete a reverse sweep after losing in Game 1 and prove its championship pedigree before 14,517 fans – the largest crowd in men’s volleyball history.

But more than that, the charges of coach Dante Alinsunurin – who ruled seven of the last 10 UAAP seasons – extended their dynasty to become the first and the only team in the Final Four era to win five straight titles.

FEU, the winningest team with 25 titles but last won in 2012, was the first school in overall history to win more than five in a row, ruling the UAAP’s first 12 seasons in the 1940s to 1950s.

Making it happen for NU were Leo Ordiales and Peng Taguibolos who fired 13 and 10 points, respectively, while veteran spikers Leo Aringo Jr. and Buds Buddin contributed nine points each.

Team captain Aringo added four digs and 10 receptions for an all-around brilliance to capture the Finals MVP plum.

“Total team effort talaga ito, mapa-players man o coaches. Talagang trinabaho namin kahit down kami buong season. Sobrang thankful sa players and coaches,” said Alinsunurin.

The Bulldogs completed NU’s golden treble for the second straight season after the championships of the girls’ and women’s volleyball teams.

NU swept La Salle in the women’s division earlier this week for a back-to-back feat while the Lady Bullpups regained their throne after bumping off Adamson.

They’re in a world of their own.