MANILA – National University Lady Bulldogs are back as UAAP women’s volleyball champions after pouncing on an erratic University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses, 25-23, 23-25, 27-25, 25-16, in Game 2 of the Season 86 finals on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Alyssa Solomon anchored the offense with 27 points, built on 20 attacks, four blocks, and three service aces; Mhicaela Belen added 20 markers; and Evangeline Alinsug and Sheena Toring added 13 and 10 markers, respectively, for the Lady Bulldogs.
This was the Lady Bulldogs’ second title in the last three seasons and their fourth UAAP women’s volleyball championship overall.
“Hindi madali ‘yung journey. Napakahirap,” said Lady Bulldogs head coach Norman Miguel. “Ever since talaga solid ‘yung character nila kaya kapag sinabi nilang babawi, babawi talaga. I think that’s what set them apart sa iba.”
He added: “Lahat ng nakalaban namin sobrang magagaling na teams. May mga losses, iniisip namin anong reasons pero dahil buo yung kagustuhan po namin na ma-redeem yung title ngayon kaya pinagtrabahuhan talaga.”
Down 22-23 late in the first set after a crosscourt hit by Golden Tigresses’ Regina Jurado, the Lady Bulldogs relied on three consecutive attacks by Solomon to snatch a 25-23 set.
After a tight second-set loss, the Lady Bulldogs were once again pushed to the limit in the third set as they trailed 18-21, but errors by the Golden Tigresses and consecutive hits by Belen gave NU a 27-25 set win.
The Lady Bulldogs went for the kill in the fourth set as they jumped to an 8-4 lead before widening it to 16-11 in the second technical timeout. UST rallied to within 13–17, but NU leaned on attacks from Solomon, Toring, Alinsug, and Belen to finish off their opponent.
Xyza Gula top-scored for the Golden Tigresses with 18 points; Jonna Perdido added 14 markers; and Jurado and Margaret Banagua had 13 points apiece in the defeat.
Rookie of the Year winner Angeline Poyos made a brief appearance and finished with one point and one excellent reception./PN
