Despite missing some key players and fielding a young lineup, National University relied on its grit, composure, and iron will to prevail over an equally talented Far Eastern University side in a grueling finals series, completing another perfect title run.
The reigning UAAP champion overcame a 1-2 match deficit for a come-from-behind, 25-21, 23-25, 20-25, 25-19, 15-10, win in Game 2 of the best-of-three series Tuesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“I must say that the NU volleyball program established the right formula from high school to college,” said Lady Bulldogs coach Norman Miguel.
“Though it’s not always perfect, pero mayroon naman results na naa-achieve.”
NU displayed the true heart of a champion, fighting its way back from the same situation it faced in a five-set escape in the series opener last Monday.
That completed an amazing six-game romp in the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Eurotel, Victory Liner, Team Rebel Sports, and Mikasa.
Most Valuable Player Bella Belen’s leadership and scoring prowess carried the Lady Bulldogs to their first-ever National Invitationals crown after skipping the inaugural edition, ruled by De La Salle University, which took a leave of absence this year.
NU added the National Invitationals title to its collection following its back-to-back Collegiate Preseason Championship victories – both in sweeping fashions.
Overall, the Lady Bulldogs went undefeated in all 24 games they played in the three tourneys they participated in the SSL, organized by Athletic Events and Sports Management, Inc. with Smart Livestream, Puso Pilipinas, and Solar Sports as broadcast partners.
Miguel relished the unexpected title run as NU had to deal with limited preparation time, sitting out injured veteran Alyssa Solomon for the entire competition, as well as Sheena Toring and Vange Alinsug in the finals, while uncertain about the availability of Alas Pilipinas members Belen and Arah Panique.
“Honestly, sobrang saya na umabot kami sa finals then nag-champion kami. Actually, yung preparation namin dito medyo shaky pa kasi alam naman namin na most of my players galing sa out of the country, sa South Korea, tapos pagbalik dito five days lang kami nag-prepare and then may tournament na kami,” said Miguel.
“May mga players pa na kailangan naming i-manage ang mga injuries. Yung mga national team players nag-declare lang sila na hanggang may certain days lang sila na makakalaro so di mo alam paano imi-mix and match ang lineup mo. You have to blend yung mga players mo to have exposure but at the same time kailangan mong i-maintain na manalo pa rin.”
Fortunately for the Lady Bulldogs, Belen and Panique, who saved her best game for last with a tournament-high 27 points in the championship clincher, suited up in the finals after Alas Pilipinas’ flight to Japan was moved to a later date from its original July 14 schedule.
“Kaya maswerte talaga kami, siguro nag-align din ang mga stars na mapo-postpone ‘yung day na pagpunta ng (Alas Pilipinas) sa Japan. So, tumaas ‘yung morale ng mga players namin na aabot sila sa finals and pinagtatrabahuhan talaga,” Miguel said.
Belen was named 1st Best Outside Spiker, with teammates Lams Lamina (Best Setter) and Shaira Jardio (Best Libero) also winning individual recognitions.
Other individual award winners included third placer College of Saint Benilde’s Wewe Estoque (2nd Best Outside Spiker) and Zam Nolasco (1st Best Middle Blocker), Far Eastern University’s Jean Asis (2nd Best Middle Blocker), and Letran’s Judielle Nitura (Best Opposite Hitter).
The SSL will return in September for another action-packed Collegiate Preseason Championship.
