National University will not be entering a full rebuild just yet.
This, as Vange Alinsug and Shaira Jardio committed to play out their fifth and final year with the Lady Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 89 women’s volleyball tournament.
Also returning for their fifth season with NU are middle blockers Chamy Maaya and Niks Mata, along with sparkplug Myrtle Escanlar.
“Still proud and thankful for how far we’ve come. The journey continues for Gold and Blue,” said Alinsug in an Instagram post.
“A tough Season 88 but still a season filled with gratitude, growth, and unforgettable memories. Maraming salamat NU Community for the unwavering support and love. We’ll be back stronger next season,” Jardio wrote in her own Instagram post.
(C) UAAP Season 88
Alinsug served as NU’s captain in Season 88, where the Lady Bulldogs settled for silver after De La Salle University swept the tournament en route to the championship.
It was a trying campaign for NU, which was eyeing a third consecutive title but had to cope with the departure of its golden core — Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Sheena Toring, and Erin Pangilinan.
Still, the Lady Bulldogs managed to reach the Finals, with Alinsug, junior Arah Panique, and rookie Sam Cantada leading the offensive charge, while Jardio anchored the floor defense en route to being named Best Libero of the season.
Maaya and Mata also rose to the occasion, especially in the Finals series, where they delivered some of their best performances of the season.
“The journey meant so much to me, and I know there’s still more left in me. One more season to grow, fight, and wear the blue and gold with pride,” Mata posted on Instagram.
Escanlar also proved capable of delivering when called upon off the bench.
Camilla Lamina was the lone Lady Bulldog who exhausted her eligibility, paving the way for Abe Pono as her successor as the team’s main setter.
