In a pre-season marked by groundbreaking feats and exceptional performances, National University head coach Sherwin Meneses has proven he can make a seamless return to the collegiate ranks.
Last September, Meneses made his debut with the Lady Bulldogs at the 2024 Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championship, an unprecedented milestone for any collegiate team in the country.
Facing off against the elite of Asian volleyball – including Japan’s NEC Red Rockets, Vietnam’s LP Bank Ninh Bình and Duc Giang Chemical Club, Iran’s Saipa Tehran, Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima QminC, and Hong Kong’s Kwai Tsing – Meneses and his squad finished a commendable sixth place.
Despite the challenges of international competition, Meneses quickly translated those lessons into success on the local stage.
Just two months after their Asian debut, the Lady Bulldogs secured a historic three-peat in the Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-season Championship.
They capped off a dominant season with a 23-25, 25-18, 25-16, 25-20 Game 2 victory over De La Salle University at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, reaffirming their supremacy in collegiate volleyball.
Meneses, who has also guided the Creamline Cool Smashers to a grand slam in the Premier Volleyball League, expressed deep gratitude for the victory.
“Siyempre, yung experience na makalaro sa Shakey’s napakaimportante sa preparation sa UAAP ng National University. So thankful na may opportunity na ganito,” he said.
The Lady Bulldogs dominated Game 1 last Friday as well.
(C) Roman Prospero/SSL
In the clincher, Alyssa Solomon, named the Best Opposite Spiker, was stellar in leading her team with 19 points, all from attacks.
Bella Belen, the Most Valuable Player, continued her remarkable form, contributing 15 points, including 12 attacks, two kill blocks, and an ace.
Vange Alinsug’s timely contributions, which included the championship-winning kill, rounded out the Lady Bulldogs’ triumph.
Belen, who was also named 1st Best Outside Spiker, expressed her joy after the victory, acknowledging the hard-fought nature of their win.
“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,” she said, underscoring the grit and determination that fueled their successful campaign.
Meneses’ leadership has already shown its impact on the Lady Bulldogs.
From a sixth-place finish in the Asian Women’s Club Championship to a sweep of their modern-day rivals, NU’s growth under his guidance is undeniable.
As the Lady Bulldogs gear up for UAAP Season 87, their momentum is at an all-time high, and Meneses is eager to continue building on this foundation.
