UAAP Finals: Behind coach’s guidance, NU Bulldogs near ‘six-peat’

NU Bulldogs coach Dante Alinsunurin talks to his players during Game 1 of the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball Finals against FEU Tamaraws at Mall of Asia Arena.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Having the brightest stars of Alas Pilipinas didn’t mean instant success for National University in its bid to extend its dynasty to a sixth straight championship in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament.

Their international experience from the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship and bronze-medal run in the Southeast Asian Games also posed a challenge for longtime Bulldogs coach Dante Alinsunurin, who makes sure to keep his players’ individual goals and egos in check.

“We went through that this season, but little by little, we addressed it by talking things through and helping them understand what’s more important,” said Alinsunurin in Filipino.

READ: UAAP men’s volleyball Finals: NU rallies to steal Game 1 vs FEU

NU coach Dante Alinsunurin, Buds Buddin, Jade Disquitado, and Leo Ordiales after winning Game 1. #UAAPSeason88 @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/4rtGHsO7eR

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 6, 2026

“What’s good about this team is they accept what’s being asked of them and what we need from them. Like I always say, it’s not about winning every individual award. The most important thing is winning the championship.”

On the brink of losing Game 1, NU turned to its national team mainstays Leo Ordiales, Buds Buddin, Peng Taguibolos, and Jade Disquitado to pull off a 21-25, 25-19, 21-25, 25-20, 15-8 win over Far Eastern University on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Ordiales restored the order by catching fire in the fourth to drag the Tamaraws to the decider, where Buddin and Taguibolos nailed the telling blows.

Buddin urged his squad to stay calm despite being down, while Taguibolos stabilized the squad by scoring four of his 12 points in the fifth, including the game-winning quick attack.

“It didn’t just show on the court. It started in the dorm and during training. Now, when we step on the court, he’s very calm. He knows how to handle his teammates and bring out what’s needed from them,” said Alinsunurin of Taguibolos.

“He’s aware of his own shortcomings before, when things didn’t go his way. But now, he really wants it, and with the support of his teammates, they trust and follow him.”

READ: UAAP: Finding strength in tough season, NU books title berth

NU stays hungry as it tries to complete a ‘sixpeat’ in Game 2. #UAAPSeason88 @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/KNORcvGD6Y

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 6, 2026

Disquitado also rose to the occasion with 21 points, 20 excellent receptions, and nine digs.

“It comes down to experience. We’ve been through this before, so we’re not scared of these situations anymore. For us, it feels like just another day. We stay composed and rely on that experience,” said Disquitado in Filipino.

“We’re just happy, of course, it feels good to win. But for the next game, we’ll prepare even more. We saw our mistakes today, and now we have a chance to fix them in training so we can perform better in Game 2.”

NU looks to complete a “six-peat” on Saturday in Game 2. The Bulldogs currently own the second-longest dynasty in UAAP men’s volleyball next to FEU’s reign from 1946 to 1958.

“I just keep reminding them to focus on what they’re doing, where they are and what they’re capable of. As long as they’re helping the team, we expect them to perform. Whatever experience they have, they should share it. I think leadership has also played a big role in the results we’re getting,” said Alinsunurin.