Bella Belen and National University once again proved their mastery over De La Salle University, shaking off a second-set slip to claim a commanding 25-19, 22-25, 25-20, 25-18 victory and remain unbeaten in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, Sunday evening at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
With her signature poise and all-around brilliance, tallying 23 points built on 17 attacks, four blocks, and two aces with 17 excellent receptions and seven excellent digs, Belen spearheaded NU to an 8-0 card.
Reinforcing their hold over their long-time rivals, the Lady Bulldogs have now swept the Lady Spikers in the elimination round for the second time in three seasons, cementing their reputation as the team to beat this year.
In a battle between the last two UAAP women’s volleyball champions, Belen’s steady presence helped NU recover from a second-set stumble, keeping their perfect record intact.
The Lady Bulldogs had swept La Salle in their Season 87 opener last February 16 at the same venue. They last completed a head-to-head elimination sweep of the Lady Spikers during their unblemished championship run in Season 84 back in 2022.
“Hindi naging madali yung laban namin. Talagang nahirapan din kami against La Salle kasi may sistema rin sila. At the same time, may sistema rin kami. Yung game naman, ine-expect din namin na magiging mahirap siya compared sa first round,” Belen said.
“Kami naman, kailangan lang namin maipanalo yung game. Straight sets man or hindi, kailangan namin manalo.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
La Salle threatened to extend the match in the fourth set, trimming an early 16-11 deficit to 19-17 after a crosscourt hit from Angel Canino and a quick attack from Amie Provido.
However, NU held its ground, responding with three consecutive points — an off-the-block hit from Belen and three crucial attack errors from Canino and Shevana Laput — to build a commanding 23-17 lead.
The Lady Bulldogs then sealed their victory with a crosscourt kill from Alyssa Solomon and a net touch error from Canino.
Earlier, with the third set tied at 9-all, the trio of Belen, Solomon, and Vange Alinsug fueled a crucial 7-2 run, giving NU a 16-11 cushion that proved insurmountable for the Lady Spikers.
NU also attempted a comeback in the second set, cutting a 19-23 deficit to 21-23. However, a backrow kill from Laput and a down-the-line attack from Canino allowed La Salle to level the match at one set apiece.
The Lady Spikers showed resilience in the opening frame, clawing back from an eight-point deficit to pull within 23-19. But Belen delivered an off-the-block hit, followed by a crosscourt kill from Solomon, as NU drew first blood.
“Wala namang masyadong adjustments. Talagang yung composure lang talaga dapat laging nandiyan. Down man kami or tie, or lamang kami, dapat yung composure laging nandiyan kasi wala nang madaling laro ngayon. Lahat talaga, nag-iimprove na yung mga teams so ready lang kami kung ano yung situation lagi na dumarating sa’min,” NU head coach Sherwin Meneses said.
Solomon backed Belen with 19 points on 17 attacks, one block, and one ace with five excellent digs. Meanwhile, Alinsug scored 11 points on nine attacks, one block, and one ace with 13 excellent digs and five excellent receptions.
Lams Lamina dished out 21 excellent sets to go along with one ace and seven excellent digs. Starting libero Shaira Jardio tallied 15 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions.
With another dominant performance, the Lady Bulldogs set their sights on their next match against University of the Philippines on Wednesday, March 26, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, the loss dropped La Salle into a three-way tie for third place alongside University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University, all holding identical 5-3 records.
Earlier in the day, FEU defeated UST in four sets, creating the deadlock in the standings.
Laput, who trails Belen in the MVP race by only 1.908 statistical points, led the Lady Spikers in the losing effort with 19 points on 16 attacks, two blocks, and one ace with six excellent digs.
Canino provided 15 points on 14 attacks and one block with 21 excellent receptions and four excellent digs.
Provido achieved nine points on five attacks and four blocks with seven excellent digs, while Malaluan chipped in seven points and nine excellent receptions.
Mikole Reyes steered La Salle’s offense anew with 20 excellent sets, while Lyka de Leon anchored their defense with 16 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs.
The Lady Spikers will look to bounce back when they take on the Golden Tigresses on Saturday, March 29, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
