BY ABBY TORALBA
NATIONAL University reached the Promised Land anew for the second time in three seasons last night.
With Alyssa Solomon and Bella Belen showing the way, the Lady Bulldogs downed the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses 25-23, 23-25, 27-25, 25-16 to complete their redemption run bid in the 86th UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay,
This triumph by the women’s team also complemented the title run of the men’s squad for a rare collegiate golden double, a feat last achieved by Ateneo in Season 77.
National U came one division short of an even rarer achievement — an event sweep as the Lady Bullpups got swept by the Adamson Baby Falcons in the High School Girls’ Finals.
This marks NU’s fourth title overall in the women’s side after claiming the crown in Seasons 16, 19, and 84.
“Hindi madali ‘yung journey. Napakahirap. 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,” said Lady Bulldogs head coach Norman Miguel, who returned as head coach of the team during the off-season while Karl Dimaculangan, who steered NU back in Season 84, slid down to lead deputy.
“Ever since talaga solid ‘yung character nila kaya kapag sinabi nilang babawi, babawi talaga I think that’s what set them apart sa iba,” added the returning tactician, now a champion coach.
Xyza Gula was an x-factor for the Golden Tigresses in the second set as she nailed the winning point.
But the Lady Bulldogs showcased their championship composure in the face of pressure in the third as they did not fold even when UST reached set point 24-23.
Two-time MVP Belen responded with a kill to extend the set, but Gula put the Tigresses back on top with a power tip. Belen, though, drilled back-to-back points while Sheena Toring denied Gula at the net for the 27-25 victory for NU.
That comeback by the Lady Bulldogs was enough to rattle the young Tigresses as Belen and Solomon pounded their opponents for the runaway fourth capped by a Toring quick hit that grazed the hands of Renren Peñafiel for the win in two hours and 27 minutes.
Finals MVP Solomon had 27 points on 20-of-37 kills, four blocks, and three service aces this game, while also punching in 17 points in the Game 1 triumph, 25-23, 25-20, 25-20.
“Parang sinet ko na talaga ‘yung mindset bago pa lang ako maglaro na kailangan kong ibigay ‘yung best ko kasi baka ito na ‘yung last game namin for this season. Now or never na talaga,” said Solomon, who also won the Best Opposite Spiker plum.
Belen backed her up with 19 points, 11 digs, and nine receptions while Vange Alinsug and Toring got 13 and 10 points, respectively.
Team captain Erin Pangilinan also got eight points as Camilla Lamina shone with 17 excellent sets while Shaira Jardio got 15 receptions and eight digs.
