National University regrouped after an uncharacteristic performance in the third set to defeat De La Salle University in Game 1 of the Finals, 25-17, 25-21, 13-25, 25-17, and moved one step closer to securing a second straight championship in UAAP Women’s Volleyball on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With 15,192 fans packed into the historic Big Dome for the Season 87 Finals, the Lady Spikers didn’t go down without a fight after losing the first two sets. They mounted a massive 17-6 run in the third set to extend the match.
But the Lady Bulldogs showed their championship mettle by remaining confident despite the lopsided third-set loss.
With La Salle still within striking distance, trailing by only three points at 15-18, Vange Alinsug and Alyssa Solomon took matters into their own hands. The duo spearheaded a 7-2 finish, with Alinsug scoring the final two points to give NU a 1-0 edge in the Finals after two hours and five minutes.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Yung game naman hindi natin masabi, talagang yung situation sa third set kailangan lang naming tanggapin then bawi ng fourth set. Yun naman ang pinakamahalaga eh yung makarecover ka,” said NU head coach Sherwin Meneses.
NU now aims for its third crown in four seasons and the first back-to-back championship in school history on Wednesday, 5:00 PM, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
This could mark the last hurrah for NU’s core, led by Bella Belen and Solomon, who have been teammates since their high school days at Nazareth School.
“Malaking bagay ang chemistry, lalo na sa volleyball,” said Belen.
Double-substitute partners Abe Pono and Arah Panique fueled the Lady Bulldogs’ turnaround in the second set, leading a 10-2 run that flipped a 12-14 deficit into a 22-16 advantage, putting NU a set away from victory before collapsing in the third.
“Up kami ng two sets and then nakuha ng La Salle yung third. Sabi ko lang na kailangan namin pagtrabahuhan every point kasi hindi ibibigay sa amin basta-basta yung game, kailangan namin paghirapan,” said reigning MVP Belen, who posted 19 points, 15 digs, and 10 receptions.
Alinsug led NU in the victory, proving she’s ready to carry the torch for the team in future seasons with a team-high 21 points. Solomon added nine points, while Alexa Mata and Erin Pangilinan chipped in with seven and six points, respectively.
On defense, Shaira Jardio delivered a masterclass, registering 28-of-42 excellent receptions and 18-of-30 excellent digs.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The Lady Bulldogs dominated La Salle in attacks, with 15 more kills, 62-47, more than enough to offset being out-blocked, 4-7, and committing more errors, 22-18.
Season 85 MVP Angel Canino led La Salle with 22 points, 13 receptions, and four digs, while Shevana Laput provided support with 16 points, including 11 attacks, four blocks, and an ace.
Amie Provido also reached double figures with 10 points.
