National University stamped its authority over De La Salle University, clinching a 23-25, 25-18, 25-16, 25-20 victory in Game 2 to secure its third consecutive Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-season Championship title on Sunday night at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Despite a first-set setback, the Lady Bulldogs powered through, extending their dynastic reign in the league’s premier tournament.
This victory mirrored their dominance in the inaugural championship two years ago, where they also defeated La Salle.
NU’s sweep of the best-of-three series capped a historic season grand slam, following their victory in the National Invitationals last July. The league is supported by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, GCash, Chery Tiggo, F2 Logistics, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, R and B Milk Tea, Grab Philippines, and Summit Water.
The reigning UAAP champions drew first blood last Friday with a convincing straight-sets win.
Alyssa Solomon, named Best Opposite Spiker, was stellar once again, contributing 19 points – all from attacks – to lead her squad and deliver a title for new head coach Sherwin Meneses.
“Siyempre yung experience na makalaro sa Shakey’s napaka-importante sa preparation sa UAAP ng National University. So thankful na may opportunity na ganito,” said Meneses, who also won a grand slam in the Premier Volleybal League as head coach of powerhouse Creamline this year.
(C) Roman Prospero/SSL
Most Valuable Player Bella Belen added 15 points, including 12 attacks, two kill blocks, and an ace, while Vange Alinsug contributed 10 points, including the championship-clinching kill.
“I’m very happy kasi nanalo po kami against La Salle. Talagang pinaghirapan namin ang panalo namin kasi ang La Salle, alam namin na lalaban sila. So sinabi ko sa teammates ko na kailangang lumaban din kami,” said Belen, who was also honored as the 1st Best Outside Spiker.
After a hiccup in the first set, NU asserted control, overwhelming La Salle in the next three frames.
The Lady Bulldogs unleashed a 5-1 run in the fourth set to take a commanding 15-9 lead. NU maintained its distance as Solomon slammed an off-the-block kill for a 23-16 advantage.
Back-to-back errors by Alinsug gave La Salle a brief glimmer of hope, but Amie Provido’s service error set NU up at match point, 24-19.
Although La Salle saved a match point, Alinsug’s finishing blow sealed the win for NU.
(C) Roman Prospero/SSL
Angel Canino led La Salle with nine points, while Alleiah Malaluan and Katrina Del Castillo added eight and seven points, respectively.
La Salle’s campaign ended with back-to-back losses after an eight-game win streak heading into the finals.
Meanwhile, Far Eastern University rallied from a 1-2 match deficit to defeat University of Santo Tomas, 20-25, 25-19, 23-25, 25-19, 15-12, in the winner-take-all bronze medal match.
The Lady Tamaraws showcased their defensive prowess in the fifth set. They tallied five kill blocks to create a significant lead, eventually holding on for the win and securing their spot on the podium for the second consecutive year.
Jaz Ellarina led the way with 13 points, including 10 attacks, while Gerzel Petallo and Faida Bakanke provided solid support with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
FEU’s defense was crucial, as they recorded 17 kill blocks to stifle UST’s attack.
Chenie Tagaod and Alyzza Devosora added nine points each, while seasoned setter Tin Ubaldo contributed 18 excellent sets, along with four points.
UST’s Angge Poyos finished with 21 points, 20 of which came from spikes, and one ace.
Jonna Perdido added 11 points before suffering a left knee injury midway through the fourth set.
Regina Jurado finished with 10 points, while Kyla Cordora contributed seven in the losing effort.
Other individual awards winners were Poyos (2nd Best Outside Spiker), Provido (1st Best Middle Blocker), Ellarina (2nd Best Middle Blocker) and NU’s Shaira Jardio (Best Libero) and Lams Lamina (Best Setter).
