By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs wrapped up its preseason preparations with a championship title after clinching the Shakey’s Super League volleyball tournament last November 11, 2023.
NU halted the great run of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses, 25-17, 15-25, 25-20, 25-20, during Game 2 of their grand finals series held at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Former UAAP Rookie Most Valuable Player (MVP) Bella Belen stepped up when the Lady Bulldogs needed her the most after finishing the game with 17 points.
It was Belen who kicked off NU’s counter-attack in the third set when the Golden Tigresses equalized the match at 1-1.
After UST bounced back, Belen spearheaded NU’s resurgence and was unstoppable with her cross-court outside kills.
Aside from Belen, NU’s veteran outside hitter Evangeline Alinsug also came out firing and contributed 15 big points.
Belen and Alinsug led the Lady Bulldogs in scoring midway through the third set and helped NU regain momentum.
Alyssa Solomon then put the cherry on top in the fourth and final set after lifting the Lady Bulldogs with several crucial down-the-line hits during the last seven offensive possessions for NU.
Solomon joined Alinsug and Belen in reaching the double-figure scoring mark, chipping in 14 points built from 10 successful attacks.
Xyza Gula paced the Golden Tigresses with 18 big points backstopped by Angeline Poyos who registered 11 markers.
