Coach Dante Alinsunurin has an emotional celebration after NU Bulldogs’ five-peat championship run in the UAAP men’s volleyball. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines —For National University coach Dante Alinsunurin, this latest championship meant more than just a place in the record books.
Bouyed by his winning tradition, Alinsunurin steered the Bulldogs to a historic five-peat after surviving a gritty challenge from Far Eastern University in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Final.
READ: UAAP Finals: NU Bulldogs fulfill ‘five-peat’ dream, overcome FEU
NU became he first team to achieve a fifth consecutive title in the Final Four era after outlasting FEU, 25-16, 28-26, 25-23, in the winner-take-all Finals Game 3 in front of a men’s record 14,517 fans on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
NU coach Dante Alinsunurin holds back his tears after a record-breaking attendance in the #UAAPSeason87 finals. | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/SUgcaO08Hf
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) May 17, 2025
Among his seven titles in 10 straight finals appearances, this Season 87 championship is special for Alinsunurin.
“This one’s really special, not just because of what we went through on the court, but also because of everything we faced off the court. Some of our players had personal struggles, injuries… It wasn’t easy. I’m really grateful, especially to my family for this championship,” said Alinsunurin in Filipino.
“Honestly, this might be the most meaningful title of my entire career.”
READ: UAAP: Greg Ancheta rises to the challenge, keeps NU dynasty alive
Alinsunurin dedicated the championship to his brother Mike, who passed away days before their Final Four clash with University of Santo Tomas.
“Personally, I’m dedicating this game to my sibling who passed away just a few days ago. This win is for him. I know he’d be so happy to see me become a champion (again),” he said.
He also gave full credit to his players for enduring the grind and rising to the moment against a tough opponent in FEU.
“Credit to FEU. They really pushed us to our limits,” he said. “But I have to give it to my players. From day one, they pushed themselves all the way until we got this five-peat. I’m beyond thankful.”
Continued rise of men’s volleyball
NU Bulldogs’ celebrate their fifth straight championship, beating FEU Tamaraws in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRERnet
Being part of three record-breaking gate attendances in their three-game series, Alinsunurin held back his tears. The scene reminded Alinsunurin of another landmark moment in Philippine volleyball, when he led the national team to a historic silver medal in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
“This turnout means a lot because the men’s teams often draw motivation from this. Usually, we only get big crowds during championship games,” he said. “That’s why I hope it keeps going.”
“I hope this momentum continues—not just in the NU community, but also with FEU. Hopefully, this isn’t just a one-time thing. In future men’s leagues, I hope the support stays strong. It really matters to the players and coaches. It pushes us to play and coach even better, and for people to really see the value of men’s volleyball here in the Philippines.”
Alinsunurin also urged fans to keep showing up.
“I hope their support for men’s volleyball continues and that they don’t get tired of showing up. They saw for themselves how exciting men’s games can be,” he added.
Powerhouse program
Coach Sherwin Meneses and the NU Lady Bulldogs celebrate the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball championship. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Alinsunurin, now a seven-time champion, reflected on how NU emerged as a dominant volleyball school from its humble beginnings.
“We’re just so thankful for how things turned out. We really worked hard from the beginning, especially when it was hard to recruit because people didn’t even know about the team. No one paid attention to us. But everything we worked for is finally paying off,” said an emotional NU coach.
READ: Sherwin Meneses immediately adds UAAP crown to pro title haul
“We don’t just want to be champions, we want our players to grow, not just in the Philippines but even internationally. That’s how the program will really improve, not just for NU, but for the whole country.”
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Alinsunurin also celebrated a golden double for NU, with close friend Sherwin Meneses leading the Lady Bulldogs to the UAAP women’s title in his first season at the helm.
“Of course, this means a lot for our careers. Ever since we started working together on the same team, our goal has always been to win every time we handle a team, to become champions, to perform well, and to share what we know. It’s important not just for the school but for our careers overall,” he said.
