When the match needed closing, National University handed the job to its national team players. They finished it on a block.

The Bulldogs swept De La Salle University, 25-23, 25-16, 25-20, to take the solo lead in the ongoing 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge preliminaries Sunday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City. It was a second straight win for the reigning six-time UAAP champions, who had already come through a stubborn test against University of Santo Tomas.

The pattern held across both outings. Clutch moments kept falling to the squad’s Alas Pilipinas products — and they kept converting them.

Disquitado Slams the Door

The endgame belonged to the defenders. A strong spike from Leo Ordiales and a kill block from Jade Disquitado moved NU within two of the sweep at 23-19.

Eugene Gloria then handed over a service error, and Disquitado supplied the finish. His rejection denied Yoyong Mendoza and closed out the match.

Buds Buddin carried the scoring with 16 points across the three sets. He scattered 12 attacks, two blocks and two service aces, blunting every La Salle attempt to climb back in.

Disquitado and Ordiales backed him with 12 points apiece. Disquitado also posted 11 excellent receptions, while Ordiales added three digs.

A Lesson Applied in a Day

Coach Dong Dela Cruz — who continues to call the shots while head coach Dante Alinsunurin remains on club duties — traced the sweep to the previous match. “Sabi ko nga sa kanila kahapon, lesson learned ‘yon na hindi dapat mag-relax hangga’t di natatapos yung laro. Ngayon, nakuha nila yung laro at natapos nila in straight sets,” he said.

The next stretch gives them room to work. “We have five days to prepare again. Andyan naman yung mga conditioning coaches, alam naman na nila yung, gagawin. At sempre si coach Dante pagbalik niya, yung training na gawin. Andoon pa rin naman yon,” Dela Cruz added.

La Salle found little to hold on to. Gloria was the lone Green Spiker in double figures with 10 points, while Issa Ousseini impressed at outside hitter with seven markers and 14 excellent receptions.

Both sides are back at the same venue this week. NU chases a third straight win against the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights on Saturday at noon, with La Salle facing the Mapua University Cardinals the following day, also at noon.