FOR the final time this season, the top-seeded Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws will face off against defending champions National University (NU) Bulldogs in Game 3 of the UAAP Men’s Volleyball Finals.
Today is a turning point in the history of both FEU and NU men’s volleyball, with both teams competing for record-breaking performances. One is after a five-peat record, while the other is chasing a league-high 26 titles.
In front of a record 9,977 fans on Wednesday, the Bulldogs showed all heart, coming back from a 5-8 deficit in the fifth set to escape and force a decider over the Tamaraws, 25-20, 22-25, 25-15, 18-25, and 15-11.
Heading into this game, will the Bulldogs reestablish their dominance over FEU and win their sixth crown, or will the Tamaraws finally overcome their struggles against NU and end a brilliant season strong?
Modern Day Dominance
At this point, it comes down to who wants it more between the two sides. However, a win for NU would complete the golden double for the second consecutive season, following the women’s team championship earlier this week.
The Bulldogs, looking to solidify their place as a modern-day powerhouse, are aiming for their sixth title overall. More importantly, a win would continue their dynasty, which began in UAAP Season 81 (2018).
For NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin, no matter the outcome, he knows that the Bulldogs program and the trust they have for one another have remained intact, despite the loss of key players from last season’s championship run.
“Well, sa tingin ko ‘yung tiwala nila samin. ‘Yung trust nila samin na every time, kung sino yung player naming kinukuha or ‘yung kinuha na…Alam nila na ‘yung tiwala nila samin talagang sinusuklian nila,” Alinsunurin said.
For Buds Buddin, who dropped a massive 20-kill performance in the series-tying win, is no stranger to big games, having learned from the seniors in the Jhocson-based squad’s previous championship run.
“Siguro mas lumabas lang siguro yung maturity namin sa court. Yung experience namin siguro mas lumabas. Ayun, siguro, ang nakita ko lang naging advantage din namin siguro,” Buddin said.
Rich Winning Culture
FEU’s men’s volleyball program has won the most championships in the collegiate league, with 25. Entering this game, the FEU squad must use their failure in Game 2 to motivate themselves and break a 13-year drought.
One approach to accomplish this is to keep the captain of the ship, FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo, convinced that the Tamaraws can regroup and end the Bulldogs’ UAAP hegemony.
“‘Yung nangyari ‘yun sa game namin, siguro, test of character sa bawat isa sa amin. Coaches, players, and supporters, siguro, diyan makikita’ yun, diba?” Orcullo said
“Kung nananalo tayo lahat, kakampi mo, ngayon natin makikita kung sino talaga yan sa side mo pagka nandito ka sa ganitong sitwasyon,” he went on to point out, given the stunning loss they received.
Putting it behind them, the Morayta-based squad’s coach decided that handling leads was something FEU needed to work on, especially during crunch time, and NU now has momentum.
“Siguro, ano lang, trabahuin namin ulit. Dapat makauna, kasi pag ka lagi lumalamang sila, ang hirap habulin talaga. Lalamang ng lima hanggang anim, medyo, sobrang hirap kumayod eh, hirap gapangin,” Orcullo stated.
The last bout between the FEU Tamaraws and the NU Bulldogs will begin at 2:00 p.m. This afternoon, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The question remains: Who’s history will be written?
