The NU Volleyball Teams completed a rare golden double after dominating UST in the UAAP Season 86 Collegiate Volleyball Finals last Wednesday, May 15 in front of 22, 515 spectators inside the Mall of Asia Arena.

The NU Bulldogs avenged their elimination matches against UST by sweeping the Finals series, defeating the Tigers in Game 1, 25-17, 26-24, 25-19 and Game 2, 25-21, 22-25, 25-17, 25-15. The Bulldogs are the first team to accomplish a four-peat since Season 70 to 73.

League’s Second-Best Outside Hitter, Nico Almendras put an exclamation to the 1:54 minute-match with a sharp crosscourt kill to complete his 20-point conversion. Michaelo Buddin who missed most of the eliminations, led the campaign with game-high 28 points from 22 attacks, five of NU’s 16 total blocks and an ace while Leo Aringo supported with 22 points to seal their sixth overall crown.

Season’s Best Setter, Captain Owa Retamar who was also hailed as the back-to-back Finals MVP with 26 excellent sets, nine digs atop three points, shared how proud he is to his teammates as first-year Jade Disquitado was also named as the Rookie of the Year.

“Sobrang thankful kasi nakita ko na sa mga player ko pagpunta pa lang namin dito na gusto na nilang kunin itong championship,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.

Meanwhile the Lady Bulldogs redeemed the crown, also following their Finals sweep against the same team opponent, 25-23, 23-25, 27-25, 25-16 to mark their fourth overall title in the women’s division (Season 16, 19 and 84).

Finals MVP and Best Opposite Spiker Alyssa Solomon had season-high 27 points, off 20 kills, four blocks and three aces while Season MVP and Best Outside Hitter, Bella Belen chipped in 19 points. Toring, who had 10 points concluded the 1:27-minute game with a quick attack to mark their 100th point of the match.

“Hindi madali yung journey. Napakahirap. Lahat ng nakalaban naming teams sobrang magagaling. Pero dahil buo yung kagustuhan po namin na maredeem yung title ngayon, pinagtrabahuhan talaga namin,” said returning Lady Bulldogs head coach Norman Miguel.

The last golden double was attained back in Season 77.

: UAAP Media Bureau