The Mapua Cardinals dropped to 0-4 on the season Wednesday, September 9, unable to solve a surging National University squad that swept its way to a 25-22, 25-14, 25-19 victory in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

The win pushed the Bulldogs to 3-1 and marked a swift response to their lone loss of the tournament, a defeat to Letran on Aug. 22. Mapua, meanwhile, continues to search for its first win through four matches.

Bulldogs Dominate as Mapua Struggles to Keep Pace

NU asserted control early in the second set, ripping off a 12-5 run that Roderick Medino punctuated with a well-placed check ball. That surge effectively took the Cardinals out of contention for the frame and set the tone for the rest of the match.

Mapua found more life in the third set, pushing back and keeping the score competitive for stretches. The Bulldogs still closed strong, though, finishing on a 9-3 run that Leo Ordiales capped with a crosscourt hit to seal the sweep.

Head coach Dante Alinsunurin credited his squad’s performance but acknowledged some defensive breakdowns along the way. “Naging maganda ‘yong performance namin although may mga lapses kami sa depensa namin, ‘yong breakthrough, pero sa huli nakalusot naman kami,” he said.

Alinsunurin also pointed to moments where his players lost focus. “May mga sitwasyon lang kami na talagang minsan nagre-relax kami. May mga sitwasyon lang kami na medyo nag-struggle din ‘yong ibang teammates namin na gusto makatulong. Pero, yun nga nagiging aggressive [naman] sila,” he added.

Ordiales Leads Scoring as Both Squads Look Ahead

Ordiales paced all scorers with 19 points, built on 12 attacks, four blocks and three aces. Jade Disquitado backed him up with 13 points, giving the Bulldogs a potent one-two punch throughout the match.

Mapua’s offense leaned on Ar-jay Ramos, who finished with 10 points. Patrick Reyes chipped in seven more, but the Cardinals couldn’t generate enough consistency to challenge NU across all three sets.

NU will look to extend its momentum against the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Blazers on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 5 p.m., held at the same venue. Mapua will try to shake off its winless start that same day, facing the University of Santo Tomas at 3 p.m.