NU Bulldogs. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Bryan Bagunas is challenging the National University Bulldogs to sweep the UAAP Season 85 men’s volleyball tournament.
Bagunas, who led WinStreak to a Top Volleyball League title during his MVP season in Taiwan, watched his former team for the first time as NU stayed unbeaten in 12 games with a 25-16, 25-17, 25-20 victory over University of the East on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The former UAAP MVP was proud of the current crop of Bulldogs, who extended their winning streak to 30 games dating back to his final playing year in Season 81 four years ago.
“I’m so proud of them. I’ve been messaging some of them, especially the graduating players, to try to sweep because it will be historic for NU,” Bagunas told reporters in Filipino. “That’s what they can give back to NU as student-athletes.”
“But the championship should still be their priority. Sweep is just a bonus,” he added.
The Bulldogs, led by his former teammates Joshua Retamar and Nico Almendras, are two games away from sweeping the elimination round and earning an outright Finals berth for the first time in their team’s history.
Bagunas’ former coach Dante Alinsunurin is eyeing a ‘three-peat’ and his fifth overall crown.
The Philippine men’s volleyball team star is returning to Taiwan for another season after he signed a two-year contract last year.
WinStreak will compete in the AVC Asian Club Championship from May 14 to 21 but Bagunas will not play due to his wedding in June, which was his reason for begging off from the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia.
“I declined to play in the Asian Club Championship this May 14 to 21 because I’ve been busy preparing for our wedding that’s why I will not also play in the SEA Games,” said Bagunas. “After my wedding that’s when I will commit to playing again.”
Bagunas arrived in the country weeks ago but it was his first time watching NU as he and his fiance Nicole Tracy Tan have been busy with their wedding preparation.
“We’re very busy with our wedding because this is just a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Everything has to be smooth,” he said.