MANILA – National University played steadier in the fifth set to prevail over Arellano University, 25-18, 23-25, 25-20, 21-25, 15-9, to kick off its 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge bid at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City on Saturday.

Mac Arvin Bandola scored 18 points built on 17 attacks and Luke Anton Carl Macatangay chipped in 17 points as the five-time UAAP champion Bulldogs claimed victory after two hours and 14 minutes.

Jan Abanilla contributed 13 points while newly-appointed team captain Jenngerard Amfranz Diao and Obed Mukaba scored 10 points each for NU, which is eyeing a second V-League crown in four years.

"Both teams really played well, that's why the result was like this. Maybe, the situation was that we had the advantage towards the end with our passing. We were competing with whoever could receive. Whoever has the highest efficiency in receiving, that's who will win. We just maximized it in the end, so we got a little bit further and we got this win," NU coach Dante Alinsunurin said in the post-match interview.

NU took a 19-14 lead in the first set on Abanilla's service and closed out with a 6-4 run behind Bandola and Diao.

Arellano banked on Arman Clarence Guinto and CJ Dominguito to secure the second set in 28 minutes.

"In the second set, we had a really slow start, but we caught up and had a chance to win the set. But maybe it was just our unforced errors, because our offense was there. We had a chance to get the break point but we didn't. Maybe we learned a lesson that towards the end, we really should be more confident in our offense," Alinsunurin said.

Bandola, the UAAP Season 82 High School Boys' Finals Most Valuable Player, led in NU in taking the third set but the reigning NCAA champion Arellano rebounded in the next frame behind Guinto and skipper Jiwen Sinuto, who combined for 33 points.

Sinuto topscored for the Chiefs with a game-high 21 points off 19 attacks, one block and one ace.

Guinto made 12 points, including three blocks, to go with 15 excellent receptions, while Dominguito had 11 points, 10 on attacks. 

Arellano will try to get back on track against De La Salle University at 3 p.m. Sunday at the same venue.

NU will likewise take on La Salle at 12 noon Tuesday at Paco Arena Sports in Manila. (PNA)