For two-time defending champion National University, the margin for error has all but disappeared.
After absorbing a tough 23-25, 18-25, 18-25 defeat to the still-unbeaten De La Salle University Lady Spikers in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Finals, Vange Alinsug admitted that the Lady Bulldogs must dig deeper into their arsenal if they hope to keep pace with the Ramil de Jesus-mentored squad — and more importantly, keep their title defense and bid for a historic three-peat alive.
In their second-round encounter, NU nearly handed La Salle its first defeat of Season 88 in a thrilling five-set battle, but the Lady Bulldogs failed to replicate that same level of performance in Game 1 of the Finals.
“Siguro, masasabi ko lang sa game namin ngayon is kailangan talaga naming mas may ibubuga pa kasi lalo na ngayon na sobrang taas talaga ng composure ng La Salle and isang [panalo] na lang, makukuha na nila yung championship,” Alinsug told reporters postgame after contributing 12 points, seven excellent receptions, and five excellent digs.
At several points in Game 1, NU showed flashes of its ability to challenge La Salle. However, with a 13th UAAP women’s volleyball title and a shot at a perfect campaign within reach, the Lady Spikers displayed their poise and championship composure.
In the first set, the Lady Bulldogs built a five-point cushion, 19-14, only for the Lady Spikers to snatch the opening frame behind the combined efforts of Angel Canino, Lilay del Castillo, Amie Provido, and Shane Reterta.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
A similar scenario unfolded in the third set, where NU raced to a 4-0 start before La Salle responded once again, turning a slim 15-14 deficit into a commanding 23-15 advantage that proved too much for the Lady Bulldogs to overcome.
At this stage of the season, Alinsug echoed the sentiments of head coach Regine Diego, believing that the battle between the two teams is no longer just about skill — but also about the mentality each Lady Bulldog carries on the court.
“Siguro, nasa sarili na lang din talaga namin ngayon kasi first set pa lang, nakakuha kami ng momentum. Pero still, alam natin talaga yung La Salle na hindi nila hahayaan na makuha namin yung set na ‘yon,” the pride of Catmon, Cebu explained.
Still, Alinsug remains steadfast in NU’s capability to extend the Lady Bulldogs’ dynasty to three consecutive UAAP women’s volleyball titles — a feat spearheaded in recent years by stars Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon.
With only two days to regroup, study film, and recalibrate, Alinsug stressed the importance of sharpening NU’s mental toughness and consistency in order not only to snap La Salle’s 15-game winning streak, but also to force a winner-take-all Game 3.
Game 2 is set on Saturday, May 9, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Ngayon, linilift up ko lang din yung mga teammates ko kasi nakita ko rin naman talaga na gusto namin. Kailangan talaga naming ’yon pusuan pa. Hindi pa tapos, kailangan pa namin magtrabaho pa,” Alinsug shared.
“Kami naman, meron kaming dalawang araw para panoorin kung ano ang nangyari sa game namin ngayon and babawi kung ano ang need naming i-polish, especially sa Game 2, kasi super crucial na ‘yon sa amin. Kailangan talaga namin maging consistent pa, especially pag padulo na ng laban,” she added.
“Malaking factor ’yon sa amin kasi makakapag-isip-isip kami sa nangyari sa game na ito. Bukas, balikan lang namin kung ano ulit yung nangyari sa game ngayon para magawa namin kung ano yung need pa naming gawin sa susunod na laro.”
