National University launched its title-retention bid in dominant fashion, showcasing fresh new kits while delivering a resounding straight-sets victory against longtime rival De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Sunday night.
Beyond their crisp execution and formidable net defense, the Lady Bulldogs’ sleek gray jerseys drew attention in their 25-23, 25-21, 25-18 rout of the Lady Spikers before a crowd of 16,624 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Straying from their usual navy blue and white uniforms, NU surprised fans with a bold new look — adding flair to an already impressive performance that handed La Salle its first opening-game loss in 13 years.
For the Lady Bulldogs, it was an unfamiliar yet exciting change, especially for Bella Belen, who had worn NU’s traditional blue, white, and gold colors throughout her 12-year stint with the school.
“First time din po namin mag-gray sa buong stay po namin sa NU, kahit sa ibang liga. Twelve years na po [kami sa NU] parang ngayon lang kami nag-gray. So parang bagong experience, so okay naman siya,” Belen shared after the win.
Meanwhile, when asked about the new jerseys, Alyssa Solomon playfully turned the question back to the press before offering her own thoughts.
(C) Joaqui Flores/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“Nagustuhan niyo po ba? Gusto niyo po? Bet niyo yung color?” she asked with a smile before adding,
“Nagustuhan namin.”
Belen led the way with a team-high 14 points, tallying 10 attacks, three aces, and one block while also recording six excellent receptions. Solomon added 13 points, 12 of which came from attacks, as the defending champions made an emphatic opening statement.
It was a night of new beginnings for NU — not only debuting a fresh look but also introducing new head coach Sherwin Meneses, who marked his first UAAP win at the helm with a commanding sweep.
“Siyempre happy ako na nanalo kami. In five sets or three sets, pareho lang naman pero siyempre three sets, medyo mahirap gawin sa La Salle. So happy kami kasi nakuha namin sa straight sets,” said the Creamline mentor.
Meneses expressed satisfaction with how the team is adapting to his system and adjustments.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Actually, yung sistema naman, tinutulungan lang ma-improve talaga yung NU kasi talagang may sariling galing sila. Di lang kami nagsasawa na magsabi na meron pang ibang dapat gawin para mapadali yung mga games,” said the Grand Slam tactician.
“So, tulong-tulong lang kami ng mga coaches na ma-improve every training. Yung sistema, lagi namang nariyan yan. Siyempre, time lang din talaga makakapagsabi kung talagang nagiging maganda o hindi, pero ayun nga, nagreirespond naman yung mga players, so happy kami at talagang na-aapply nila kahit papaano.”
