Defending champion National University maintained its unbeaten record in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament by overcoming a tough challenge from Far Eastern University. The match, held on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena, concluded with a hard-fought victory for National University, which triumphed in five sets: 25-15, 23-25, 24-26, 25-23, 15-8.
On the brink of their first defeat, trailing two sets to one, Alyssa Solomon stepped up and took control of the game. Her stellar performance in the fourth set helped National University reach set point at 24-21.
Far Eastern University’s Faida Bakanke and Jaz Ellarina narrowed the deficit to one point, but Bakanke’s final attack attempt went out of bounds. Coach Tina Salak subsequently called for a video challenge, which was ultimately unsuccessful.
Solomon continued her dominant performance in the fifth set, while Belen delivered her seventh ace, followed by a net touch violation from FEU, giving National University an early 8-3 advantage. Erin Pangilinan then extended the lead to 12-7, celebrating with a finger-wag gesture, and NU maintained control, never relinquishing their lead.
Solomon spearheaded the Lady Bulldogs’ comeback, contributing 23 points from 19 kills and four blocks. Belen added 21 points, including 13 attacks—one of which clinched the match—along with a block and a season-high seven aces, just one short of tying her record of eight set two years ago. She also registered 12 digs in the victory.
“Nung padulo na, ayoko talagang makuha nila yung laro. Kailangan talagang may isa or lahat kami, kailangan talaga naming ilaban at ibigay lahat ng meron kami,” said Solomon.
“Sinabi namin sa isa’t isa na ‘wag nating hayaang masayang yung pinagtrabahuan natin nung mga nakaranang weeks. Pinaghandaan talaga naminitong FEU game, so [sinabi namin na] ‘wag nating bitawan agad.”
Vange Alinsug also played a crucial role for National University, contributing 19 points and 15 excellent receptions. Meanwhile, setter Lams Lamina continued to showcase her exceptional form this season, delivering 23 excellent sets to further elevate her team’s performance.
“Expected ko naman talaga yung FEU na talagang contender din talaga sila ngayon. Ready lang kami sa lahat ng situation na mangyayari, lamang kami or hindi, yung composure dapat lagi lang nandiyan kasi talagang syempre maraming teams talaga na gustong-gustong talunin yung NU,” said NU coach Sherwin Meneses. “Thankful sa mga players na naka-recover kami sa 2-1 down. Senior talaga yung team namin, nandiyan sila palagi sa mga crucial point na hinahanap ng team. Happy kami at nakarecover kami.”
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