UAAP: Greg Ancheta rises to the challenge, keeps NU dynasty alive
NU Bulldogs’ Greg Ancheta during the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Finals against FEU Tamaraws. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines —As new main setter Greg Ancheta anchored National University to a historic five-peat in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament, former champion playmaker Owa Retamar couldn’t help but be impressed.
Ancheta displayed his steady playmaking with 16 excellent sets as NU outclassed Far Eastern University, 25-16, 28-26, 25-23, in the winner-take-all Finals Game 3 in front of a record men’s volleyball crowd of 14,517 on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Retamar, now with Alas Pilipinas in Japan, congratulated his former team for overcoming a tough FEU squad and extending the Bulldogs’ dominance.
READ: UAAP Finals: NU Bulldogs fulfill ‘five-peat’ dream, overcome FEU
“I was so happy to see NU win the championship again. As a former captain, it makes me really proud to see the team’s legacy continue,” Retamar told Inquirer Sports through VP Management.
“One player who really stood out to me this season was Greg Ancheta. For a rookie, he made such a big impact. His composure on the court is next level — calm, fearless, and already showing signs of leadership. Super impressive. That kid’s going places. The future’s looking bright.”
Greg Ancheta after a successful first stint as NU’s main setter. #UAAPSeason87 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/mRdap7hpyD
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) May 17, 2025
Ancheta said he got some encouragement from Retamar, the former two-time Best Setter and Finals MVP, on orchestrating NU’s offense.
“He just told me, ‘You’ve been playing for a long time. So why be scared? Just play with love for the game’,” said Ancheta in Filipino.
The second-year setter also praised coach Dante Alinsunurin for bringing out the best in him, especially when he got a wake-up call in the elimination round.
“It really helped that coach kept pushing me. He was tough on me so I could bring out my full potential. That’s also where I found the courage to play and think more clearly on the court,” he said.
After filling in the big shoes of Retamar, Ancheta was proud of himself after his hard work and love for volleyball helped him keep NU’s dynasty.
“I really just loved the role that was given to me. Whatever was left behind for me to take on, I worked hard for it. In practice, I often had to go through extra reps — it reached a point where I’d be close to tears from the effort. There was one training where I really couldn’t keep up anymore… but I just kept going because I truly loved the responsibility that was passed on to me,” Ancheta said.
