A highly anticipated clash opened the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament, with defending champions National University facing off against De La Salle University.
What was expected to be a thrilling showdown turned out to be one-sided as the Lady Bulldogs dominated the Lady Spikers in straight sets on February 16, 25-23, 25-21, 25-18, marking a dominant start to their title defense bid.
Following this impressive performance, coupled with another straight-set victory over Ateneo de Manila University, National U quickly earned praise from fans as the strongest team in the tournament.
This sentiment was further fueled by losses from other title contenders, including University of Santo Tomas, which fell to Far Eastern University; and the Lady Tamaraws, who were later defeated by the UP Fighting Maroons.
However, a resurgent FEU squad broke NU’s armor of invincibility on Sunday.
The Lady Tamaraws handed the Lady Bulldogs their first set loss of the season and took a 2-1 set lead.
Still, NU showcased its poise.
Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and Vange Alinsug led the charge in a thrilling come-from-behind victory, 25-15, 23-25, 24-26, 25-23, 15-8, against FEU at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
For two-time MVP Belen, the win was a reminder that there’s still much work to be done in order to defend their throne.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Siguro maganda rin for us na yun nga, nag-five sets din agad kami at dikit po yung laro,” said the 22-year-old outside hitter.
“Makikita namin kung ano pa yung mga lapses namin. Kung ano pa yung mga pwedeng pagtuunan ng pansin. For sure nagsa-scout po yung teams. Hinahanap yung weaknesses ng team namin,” she added.
“Kami kailangan namin mag-focus sa kung ano pa yung pwede namin ma-improve at dalhin sa mga susunod na games.”
Belen was pivotal in their comeback, registering 21 points with 13 spikes, seven aces, a block, and 12 digs.
Solomon led the Lady Bulldogs in scoring with 23 points, including 19 spikes and four blocks, while Alinsug contributed 19 points of her own.
Fortunately for NU, although they have a new head coach for the third time in four seasons, Sherwin Meneses is no stranger to defending a title.
Meneses, a seven-time champion coach in the Premier Volleyball League with Creamline, led the squad to the league’s first-ever Grand Slam in 2024, winning all three conferences.
“Number one, lagi ko lang sinasabi sa kanila, kahit anong situation, one point at a time lang tayo. ‘Kalimutan niyo na yung five, kalimutan niyo na yung first three sets or four sets. Basta, one point (at a time)’,” shared Meneses, who remains undefeated as the NU tactician.
“Ayun yung talagang sinasabi ko lagi sa mga players, so kapag makaka-one point ka, makaka-score ka. So, ganun lang naman yung lagi kong sinasabi sa kanila, kesyo lamang kami o lamang yung kalaban, dapat ganyan yung mindset nang paano ma-defend talaga yung championship,” he continued.
“Pag ganon yung mindset, talagang hindi basta-basta makaka-score yung kalaban, so yun yung gusto naming i-apply sa dito sa UAAP.”
