National University (NU) moved within one win of the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge title by beating Far Eastern University (FEU) 25-14, 39-37, 25-22 on Wednesday night, October 7, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre. The Bulldogs chase their first V-League crown in four years.

After dominating the opening set, NU had to grind through a marathon second frame before holding off the Tamaraws in the third. The Bulldogs wrapped up the straight-set win in 1 hour, 33 minutes.

NU vs. FEU Result: Bulldogs Outlast Tamaraws in 39-37 Thriller

The second set went the distance as both sides traded blows through 14 set points. Leo Ordiales rose above the blockers to put NU ahead, 38-37, before Jade Disquitado ended it with an off-the-block hit to give NU a 2-0 lead in sets.

Facing a 17-14 deficit in the third set, Obed Mukaba and Greg Ancheta sparked the Bulldogs with back-to-back blocks. NU then closed the set on an 11-5 run to finish off the Tamaraws.

NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin credited the team’s serving for the result. “Well, ‘yun maganda ‘yung pinasa namin, ‘yung serve namin kaya naging maganda ‘yung resulta ng game,” he said.

Alinsunurin also spoke about the team’s execution. “Maganda ‘yung pasok ng serve namin and halos dun lang talaga umikot kasi in terms of skills naman saka in terms of offense naman halos sabay,” he said.

Alinsunurin continued his assessment of the Bulldogs’ performance. “Nakita ko naman nandun naman, kailangan lang talaga mataas ‘yung porsyento namin,” he added.

V-League 2026 Stats: Buddin, Disquitado Lead NU Past FEU

Buds Buddin paced NU with 18 points and 20 excellent receptions. Disquitado chipped in 17 points on 14 attacks, two blocks and one ace, along with 15 excellent receptions.

Team captain Peng Taguibolos added 12 points, including eight of the Bulldogs’ 15 blocks. Ordiales contributed 11 points and nine excellent digs.

Ancheta orchestrated NU’s balanced offensive attack with 23 excellent sets. Jimwell Gapultos anchored the team’s defense with 13 excellent digs.

For FEU, Dryx Saavedra and Kyle Tandoc led the way with 12 points apiece. The Tamaraws held a 17-14 lead in the third set before NU’s closing run.

The Bulldogs will look to close out the series on Friday at 5 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre. A win would give NU its first V-League title in four years.