After a long and demanding run in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament, National University outside spiker Vange Alinsug now finds herself facing one of the biggest decisions of her young career—whether to return for her final year of eligibility or take the leap into the professional ranks via the 2026 Premier Volleyball League Draft.
The pride of Catmon, Cebu admitted that her next move remains undecided, as she weighs the possibility of leading a redemption bid for the Lady Bulldogs in Season 89 or joining graduating setter Lams Lamina in turning pro.
NU’s campaign ended on a sour note after being dethroned by De La Salle University in a two-game Finals sweep held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Alinsug delivered steady performances in the series, tallying 12 points, seven excellent receptions, and five excellent digs in Game 1 before finishing as her team’s top scorer in Game 2 with 14 points, alongside four excellent digs and four excellent receptions.
“We’ll see, we’ll see,” Alinsug told reporters on Saturday evening.
In Season 88, she and Lamina anchored a NU squad that successfully transitioned after the departure of its “Golden Generation” led by Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Erin Pangilinan, and Sheena Toring.
Despite the shake-up, the 23-year-old outside hitter enjoyed a breakout year, finishing seventh in the scoring race with 215 points built on 190 attacks, 13 blocks, and 12 aces, while posting a 30.30-percent attack efficiency, ninth-best in the league.
Her efforts helped steer NU back to the Finals for a fifth straight appearance.
Still, the Lady Bulldogs fell short of reclaiming the crown as La Salle completed a rare 16-0 season sweep—only the third in UAAP women’s volleyball history, joining NU’s own Season 84 run and Ateneo’s Season 77 championship squad.
For Alinsug, however, the defeat does not diminish what NU accomplished this season. She emphasized that the silver medal carries value given the challenges the team overcame throughout the year.
“Actually, yung sinabi ko sa kanila is hindi ito nakakahiya na hindi kami nanalo. Kasi yun nga, umabot kami sa finals, which is nakaka-proud na din talaga yun para sa amin. And ayun lang, kailangan din talaga is tapangan pa namin kasi yung mga opponents namin is talaga gusto nilang manalo,” Alinsug shared.
Whether she stays for one last run or joins the growing list of NU standouts headed to the PVL, Alinsug remains confident that the Lady Bulldogs will continue to be a force in the seasons ahead.
Backstopped by Season 88 Rookie of the Year Sam Cantada, Harlyn Serneche, Celine Marsh, Abe Pono, and IC Cepada, and with the potential return of Chammy Maaya and Alexa Mata, NU still boasts a promising core under head coach Reg Diego.
“Actually, sobrang confident ako na kaya din talaga namin at kakayanin nila kasi ngayon pa lang na halos nagkakapaan pa kami, still umabot kami dito sa finals. And yun lang, kailangan din talaga naming pagtrabahuin pa ulit.”
