NUNS Bullpups reclaim UAAP boys' volleyball crown from UE

National University Nazareth School (NUNS) Bullpups reclaimed the UAAP Season 86 boys' volleyball championship by defeating the University of the East (UE) Junior Red Warriors in a thrilling four-set Game 3.

The Bullpups secured the title with set scores of 20-25, 25-16, 27-25, and 25-21, avenging their Game 2 loss.

NUNS head coach Edgar Barroga expressed that this championship felt particularly sweet after their previous defeat, emphasizing their determination to overcome what they felt was bad luck.

The championship series was tightly contested, with NUNS winning Game 1 and UE forcing a deciding Game 3 by winning a marathon Game 2.

Key moments in Game 3 included a crucial comeback in the third set, led by NUNS setter Jeffe Gallego Jr. and hitter Dave Lardizabal, and a late fourth-set surge by Miguel Egger.

Despite a brief challenge from UE's Lance Babon, NUNS sealed the victory with crucial plays from Matthew Abut and Karl Lascuña.

Gallego, who was named Finals MVP, highlighted the importance of the coach's unwavering trust and his own team's commitment to not giving up.

Eight members of the championship-winning Bullpups team played their final high school game.