MANILA – National University Lady Bulldogs ended over six decades of championship thirst with a 25-15, 25-15, 25-22 domination of De La Salle University Lady Spikers in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball finals on Tuesday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Alyssa Solomon tallied 18 points, on 15 attacks and three blocks, while Season 84 Rookie of the Year-Most Valuable Player Mhicaela Belen had 16 points built on 13 spikes and three blocks.
Ilongga Princess Anne Robles was hailed as Finals MVP after averaging 9.0 points and 9.5 digs in the two-game series, while Guimarasnon Camille Lamina bagged the Best Setter award.
Not only did the Lady Bulldogs capture their first UAAP women’s volleyball championship since 1957. They also became the third squad to finish the entire season undefeated in the Final Four era.
“Siguro ‘yung pagiging coach ko nag-champion pero marami kami hardships na pinagdaanan. Sobrang saya and sobrang nakakasaya para sa team,” said Lady Bulldogs head coach Karl Dimaculangan.
The Lady Spikers surged to a quick 10-6 advantage in the opening set but it was all Lady Bulldogs the rest of the period, going on a 14-2 blast to turn the game, 20-12 on the way to a 25-15 tally.
It was no different in the second frame as the Lady Bulldogs zoomed to a 10-3 start and never looked back, 25-15, to move on the verge of the win, the tournament sweep, and the crown.
DLSU fought back in the third period, leading by three late, 20-17, before the Lady Bulldogs went on a 7-0 blast behind Solomon, Joyme Cagande and Erin Pangilinan to move at championship point, 24-20.
Back-to-back errors from the Lady Bulldogs pulled the Lady Spikers back, 22-24, but DLSU middle blocker Thea Gagate committed a service error, securing the championship for NU.
“Sobrang saya ko po kasi sa training po namin halos makita po namin yung (pagod at sakripisyo), nagbunga naman po lahat,” said Robles. “Sobrang happy po kami at kay coach dahil nakuha namin ‘yung championship crown.”
Nobody scored double figures anew for the Lady Spikers with Best Middle Blocker awardee Gagate as its leading scorer with eight points, Alleiah Malaluan followed with seven points./PN
