Photo: UAAP

By Nate Castillo

Six-peat-seeking National University outplayed University of Santo Tomas, 25-21, 30-28, 25-19, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament Final Four to book an 11^th straight championship appearance on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Bulldogs will face top-ranked Far Eastern University, which eliminated Ateneo de Manila University in five sets earlier, in a best-of-three finals showdown.

Buds Buddin led NU with 19 points and 18 excellent receptions.

Photo: UAAP

Jade Disquitado added 11 points, 10 receptions, and five digs, while Leo Ordiales chipped in nine points. Obed Mukaba finished with seven points, Peng Taguibolos had six, and Greg Ancheta orchestrated the offense with 23 excellent sets.

Photo: UAAP

Jimwell Gapultos also provided steady defense with 14-of-22 excellent digs and 10-of-12 excellent receptions.

Since Season 75, NU has also won all three of its Finals meetings against the Tamaraws, the league’s most decorated program with 25 titles.

Gboy De Vega paced UST with 14 points and 14-of-19 excellent receptions, while presumptive MVP Josh Ybañez was limited to nine points on 7-of-26 spikes, though he still contributed 16-of-21 excellent receptions on defense.