The Bulldogs reign over the Growling Tigers.
In a doubleheader finals on Wednesday, May 15, the National University faced off with the University of Santo Tomas in a battle for supremacy in men’s volleyball and women’s volleyball tournaments in the 86th season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).
Within four sets, the NU Bulldogs were able to tame the UST Growling Tigers in the second game of men’s volleyball division finals. 25-21, 22-25, 25-17, 25-15.
This enabled the team to get their four-peat championship title, which began with their win in UAAP’s 82nd season.
Josh Ybanez of the UST Growling Tigers was named the season’s most valuable player, his second consecutive time to be awarded the honor. He was also season 86’s 1st Best Outside Spiker.
In the women’s volleyball category, the Lady Bulldogs battled it out versus the Golden Tigresses and after four sets, the former was able to clinch their win against the latter. 25-23, 23-25, 27-25, 25-16.
The win spells the fourth time for the Lady Bulldogs to bag the championship in the history of UAAP women’s volleyball, which they last won in season 84.
This also marks their return to the champion’s podium after the De La Salle University Lady Spikers bagged the trophy in season 85.
Lady Bulldog Bella Belen was named as the most valuable player of season 86, an award she was first given back in season 84.
With the back-to-back win of both the men’s volleyball and women’s volleyball teams, the National University achieved what is called a “collegiate golden double” in UAAP volleyball.
The last time that such a feat happened was during season 77 in 2015, where Ateneo de Manila University won in both categories of the UAAP volleyball.
22,515 spectators were present inside the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City to witness the final matches.