NU Bulldogs celebrate the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball championship. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — National University is proud to make history by ruling the UAAP Season 86 men’s and women’s volleyball tournaments, playing in jampacked venues throughout their Finals series against teams from University of Santo Tomas.
For the first time in the school’s history, the NU men’s and women’s volleyball squads were crowned champions in the UAAP before an ecstatic 22,515 crowd at Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
National U became the first school to earn a golden double in UAAP volleyball since Ateneo did it with Alyssa Valdez leading the women’s and Marck Espejo bannering the men’s team in Season 77 last 2015.
READ: NU Bulldogs beat UST to complete UAAP volleyball ‘four-peat’
The Lady Bulldogs, led by MVPs Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon, completed their title redemption tour after sweeping UST in Game 2 with a 25-23, 23-25, 27-25, 25-18 victory for their second UAAP championship in three seasons.
“We’re really proud because NU men and women emerged as champions this season. I think this is the first time that both NU and UST clash in the finals for both divisions so it’s thrilling to achieve this rare feat,” Miguel told Inquirer Sports in Filipino.
NU Lady Bulldogs celebrate after winning the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball championship with a sweep of UST Tigresses. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Longtime NU coach Dante Alinsunurin earned his sixth UAAP men’s title as the Bulldogs became the first team to complete a ‘four-peat’ since UST in 2011.
Achieving a historic four consecutive title was sweeter for Alinsunurin after the Lady Bulldogs capped the day with another UAAP championship to complete a golden double.
“I’m proud of NU’s volleyball program. I hope these achievements will lead to the continuous support of the school and our managers,” said Alinsunurin.
NU almost swept all the volleyball tournaments as the BullPups ruled the boys’ volleyball early this year but the Lady BullPups settled for silver, losing to Adamson in the girls’ championship.
More than achieving history, Alinsunurin and Miguel were honored to play in front of over 20,000 fans in two Finals matches.
“It’s heartwarming to play in front of a huge crowd in men’s volleyball. It feels good to see and hear the NU community,” said Alinsunurin, who also coached in Choco Mucho’s soldout PVL Finals matches against eventual champion Creamline.
Miguel commended his team and UST for staying composed before a roaring crowd.
“To play a crucial match in front of a huge crowd is not a joke. If you have a weak mental state, you will lose. That’s why I salute all the teams, who fought well and showed their courage and their best in front of thousands of people,” said Miguel after earning his first UAAP title.