MANILA – National University Lady Bulldogs clawed back from a set down to defeat De La Salle University Lady Spikers in Game 2, 23-25, 25-18, 25-16, 25-20, and clinch the Shakey’s Super League Pre-season Collegiate Challenge title over at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Mhicaela Belen finished with 15 points, built on 12 attacks, two blocks, and a service ace, as the Lady Bulldogs completed the three-peat by sweeping the Lady Spikers, 2-0, in the best-of-three title series.
“I am very happy kasi nanalo kami laban sa La Salle, talagang pinaghirapan namin itong game na ito kasi alam naman natin ang La Salle na talagang gusto nila talagang bumawi (sa Game 2),” Belen said in a post-game interview.
“Siguro, for me, tiyaga lang and hindi kami dapat makampante kahit nananalo kami, dapat itaas pa namin ‘yung performance namin and hindi kami ma-satisfy kung ano ‘yung na-achieve namin,” she added.
Alyssa Solomon added 19 markers, all coming from attacks, while Evangeline Alinsug contributed 10 markers for the reigning UAAP women’s volleyball tournament champions.
After dropping a tight opening set, the Lady Bulldogs responded with a strong start in the second frame behind the offense of Belen, Solomon, and Alinsug to tie the set score at 1-1.
The Lady Bulldogs continued their run in the third frame with a 19-9 start before settling for a 25-16 set win. NU then went for the kill in the fourth set as they thwarted DLSU’s repeated attempts to extend the match.
“Siyempre ‘yung experience na makalaro sa Shakey’s napaka-importante sa preparation sa UAAP ng National University. So thankful na may opportunity na ganito,” said Lady Bulldogs head coach Sherwin Meneses.
Negrense Angel Anne Canino struggled with just nine points, while Alleiah Malaluan and Kathrina del Castillo added eight and seven points, respectively, for the Lady Spikers.
Meanwhile, Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws bagged the bronze medal after a 20-25, 25-19, 23-25, 25-19, 15-12 victory against University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses. Tin Ubaldo finished with 18 excellent sets to be named Player of the Game./PN
