National University clinched its first-ever women’s title as Honey Grace Cordero and Kat Epa triumphed over University of Santo Tomas’ Sofiah Pagara and Khy Progella, 21-16, 19-21, 15-11, in a thrilling UAAP Season 87 Beach Volleyball Final on Tuesday at Sands SM By The Bay.
Cordero, who delivered a crucial performance late in the decisive set after the Tiger Sands cut the lead to 9-10, scoring three straight points, was named the season’s MVP.
The victory was especially sweet for the Lady Bulldogs, who had finished as runners-up in the last two seasons and were defeated by the Tiger Sands in the elimination round finale.
But NU refused to be denied, spoiling UST’s bid for a record 10th women’s championship.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Sobrang saya po nanalo kami ng championship against UST dahil defending champion po sila. May pride po sila para maipaglaban ang championship,” Cordero shared.
“Pero hindi kami sumuko at ipinaglaban namin kung ano ang dapat ipinaglaban namin,” she added.
Far Eastern University secured the bronze medal as Lovely Lopez and Melody Pons avenged their elimination round loss to Adamson’s Shai Nitura and Fei Sagaysay, 21-15, 21-10.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
In the women’s semifinals, Cordero and Epa dominated Nitura and Sagaysay, 21-12, 21-10, while Pagara and Progella defeated Lopez and Pons, 21-15, 21-15.
The Lady Bulldogs were upbeat heading into the final day.
“Pini-feel po namin na kaya naming manalo ng championship,” Epa said. (TJ)
