Rookie RK Medino Rescues NU in Epic V-League Finals Comeback

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Rookie RK Medino delivered three of National University’s final four points in a rally from two sets down. NU completed the comeback with a 23-26, 19-25, 30-28, 25-21, 16-14 win over Far Eastern University in Game 3 of the V-League Collegiate Challenge Finals on Sunday,October11.

The two-hour, 19-minute victory at the Filoil EcoOil Centre ended FEU’s three-peat bid and gave NU its first title since 2022. Medino, who replaced Leo Ordiales in the starting lineup in the third set, erupted for 25 points, all from attacks.

Rookie RK Medino scored 25 attack points to lead NU's comeback victory and end FEU's bid for a third consecutive V-League Collegiate Challenge championship. [PVL Images] — Rookie RK Medino scored 25 attack points to lead NU’s comeback victory and end FEU’s bid for a third consecutive V-League Collegiate Challenge championship. [PVL Images]

RK Medino Leads NU Past FEU in V-League Finals Game 3

NU trailed 12-6 in the deciding set before errors from Kyle Tandoc sparked a 5-0 run. The Bulldogs closed to 11-12, putting the championship back within reach.

Greg Ancheta then committed a service error, and Dryx Saavedra hammered an off-the-block hit to put the Tamaraws at championship point. Luis Miguel followed with an attack that grazed the hands of NU’s blockers.

FEU’s bench erupted in celebration, but NU’s coaching staff called for a challenge. The review showed that Saavedra had touched the net during the play, overturning the apparent title-clincher and giving the Bulldogs a lifeline.

With NU trailing 12-14, Medino took over, delivering three of the Bulldogs’ final four points. The rookie’s run completed the comeback and wrested the crown from FEU.

“Well, syempre sobrang thankful ako sa kanya kasi kaya naman kami nakarating dito dahil sa kanya eh. Kaya sabi ko it’s time na kapag may problema, si RK talaga ang bubunutin ko,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.

Alinsunurin also spoke about the slow start. “Syempre sobrang happy ako sa naging performance namin kahit na off kami nung first and second sets, sabi ko sa mga player ko kailangan nating tiyagain, unti-untiin natin ‘yung mga pwede nating gawin,” he said.

“Sobrang aggressive ng kalaban, so kailangan sabayan namin,” Alinsunurin added. NU did just that in the deciding set to reclaim the crown.

NU completed a five-set comeback against FEU to claim its first V-League Collegiate Challenge championship since 2022. [PVL Images]

Jade Disquitado Named Finals MVP in V-League Collegiate Challenge

Buds Buddin, whose efforts in the third set helped NU overcome a 22-16 deficit and force a fourth frame, contributed 18 points. Jade Disquitado, who was named Finals MVP, posted a double-double of 17 points and 24 excellent receptions.

Greg Ancheta orchestrated the offense with 25 excellent sets. Godfrey Gambo added 12 points, while Choi Diao and Ordiales finished with 10 and eight points, respectively.

Season MVP Saavedra led all scorers with 27 points in a losing effort. Amet Bituin and Tandoc chipped in 17 points apiece and recorded 16 excellent receptions each, while Rhodson Du-ot dished out 27 excellent sets.

NU and FEU will continue competing in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference after finishing as the top two teams in the Collegiate Challenge. Both teams secured their berths with that finish.

Saavedra also claimed the Best Opposite Spiker award to go with his Season MVP honors. Bituin of FEU and Disquitado of NU were named Best Outside Hitters.

Doula Ndongala of FEU and Vince Himzon of Letran shared the Best Middle Blocker honors. Du-ot of FEU was named Best Setter, while Luke Cordero of Letran took home the Best Libero award to complete the Mythical Team.