By Ardyn Gonzales
The defending champions National University Lady Bulldogs finally achieved back-to-back titles after dominating the De La Salle University Lady Spikers in the Game 2 of the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball finals, 25-19, 25-18, 25-19, Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
It was the perfect redemption of the Season 85 championship loss of NU to La Salle where the Lady Spikers prevented the first back-to-back attempt of the Lady Bulldogs.
NU looked sharp and strong from start to finish – consistently pulling away halfway through the sets while maintaining a comfortable advantage. Up 2-0 in the match, the Lady Bulldogs did not want a repeat of the third set meltdown in Game 1, building an 18-13 lead after the second technical timeout.
Newly-minted three-time MVP Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon joined forces to widen the gap at 16-22 before La Salle made their final stand with a 3-1 run, attempting to inch closer and cut down the deficit.
However, Vange Alinsug once again pulled off the finishing touches with two consecutive attacks, including the championship-clinching crosscourt hit that sealed NU’s back-to-back titles.
Graduating seniors Belen and Solomon finished the season with 18 and 13 points, respectively. Alinsug added 10, while Shaira Jardio anchored the defense of the Lady Bulldogs with 21 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions. Alinsug and Jardio were awarded as the co-Finals MVP.
It was total dominance for the back-to-back champions, limiting La Salle to just 26 attack points, 12 coming from Angel Canino and a rare single-digit attack output from Shevana Laput who only had seven.
NU will attempt to make it three in a row next season with Alinsug and Jardio leading the team.
Featured image courtesy of UAAP
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