MANILA, Philippines — National University won only two volleyball titles in the UAAP’s first 74 seasons, both in the women’s divisions. In the last decade, NU had quadrupled that tally with eight plums in a tremendous rise as a power.
Once without a crown in the men’s division, the Bulldogs had a stellar ascend, collecting six championships, including a four-peat while the Lady Bulldogs had their own golden moments, winning two mints in the past three seasons.
NU, also with 11 titles in the girls and boys’ divisions in the last 10 years, has laid claim to having the best volleyball program in the country today.
And make no mistake, the Bulldogs are just getting started.
“When I was asked to come back for this season talagang firm ako doon sa decision ko na bumalik dito kasi yun nga, alam ko meron akong maitutulong para makuha ulit yung title,” said coach Norman Miguel in his NU return to replace Karl Dimaculangan, who steered the Lady Bulldogs to Season 84 title and Season 85 runner-up finish.
The Lady Bulldogs’ glorious run, behind Miguel and now assistant Dimaculangan, counted the historic feat in 2022 to snap a 65-year title drought.
Dante Alinsunurin, for his part, is the architect of all NU’s six men’s titles, a magnificent run marked by a streak of 34 straight wins at one point.
“Ang focus talaga namin at goal ay ma-domina ang volleyball dito sa UAAP,” said Alinsunurin.
The Bulldogs, who produced the likes of Bryan Bagunas and Owa Retamar, and the Lady Bulldogs, who paved the way for the likes of Jaja Santiago, Dindin Santiago, Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon and Jen Nierva, are to carry a larger target on their backs in the years to come. But they’re raring to stand their ground and bite back.
“Every year parang iisipin ng mga tao, dapat laging contender. Every year syempre mage-expect sa iyo yung mga tao so we just have to embrace that pressure na talagang magta-trabaho palagi,” vowed Miguel.
“Alam ko naman na tiwala kami sa programa namin sa NU. Itutuloy lang namin hindi lang sa UAAP at sa Pilipinas kundi ang plano pati sa international para mas maging aware sa laro ng volleyball dito sa Pilipinas,” said Alinsunurin.