National University is peaking at the right time in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
After falling prey to the University of Santo Tomas and De La Salle University in the first round, resulting in a 5-2 record, the Lady Bulldogs have elevated their game to another level.
National U has already exacted vengeance on both the Golden Tigresses and the Lady Spikers in the second round. They’ve also secured wins over UP, UE, Ateneo – and then Adamson on Saturday.
Still undefeated in the second round, the Lady Bulldogs rose to 11-2, claiming solo first place over idle La Salle and UST.
However, Bella Belen does not attribute much significance to their spectacular run in the second round yet, noting that it would all be for naught if they fail to reach their main objective.
“For me, hindi natatapos yung trabaho namin hanggang hindi pa tapos yung season,” said Belen, who dropped 14 points against the Lady Falcons.
“Kahit wala pa rin kaming talo this second round, hindi kami tumitigil kasi hindi naman yun yung goal namin eh. Isa lang siya sa goal namin para maabot yung main goal namin.”
The Season 84 MVP also emphasized that the Lady Bulldogs’ consistent performance would play a significant role, especially in the postseason where the competition intensifies.
Joining NU in the Final Four are La Salle, UST, and Far Eastern University.
Before the Final Four, the Lady Bulldogs will conclude their elimination schedule against the Lady Tamaraws on Wednesday.
“Kailangan namin maging consistent pa lalo pabigat nang pabigat nga po yung mga kalaban namin,” said Belen.
The positioning within the Final Four will be contested until the last day of the elimination round. The Tigresses and the Lady Spikers face off in the final game next Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
