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| NU is back on the UAAP women's volleyball throne. Dennis Acosta |
PASAY--National University redeemed itself from last season's heartbreak by securing its second championship title in three years, sweeping the University of Santo Tomas in the best-of-three finals series of the UAAP Season 86 Women's Volleyball Finals on Wednesday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Lady Bulldogs closed out the series against the Golden Tigresses in a four-set fashion, 25-23, 23-25, 25-17, 27-25 in front of 22,515 fans who were watching since the men's volleyball finale.
“We have a solid character. If they say that they will bounce back, they will never stop until they achieve it,’’ said returning NU head coach Norman Miguel.
The newly-awarded Best Opposite Hitter Alyssa Solomon went nuclear in the game, pounding in 27 points built on 20 attacks, four blocks, and three aces to cap a stellar show enough to name her the Finals’ Most Valuable Player.
“Nagtulong-tulong lang talaga kami ng mga teammates ko at nakita ko sa kanila na hindi sila susuko hangga’t hindi nakukuha yung championship title,” Solomon said.
“Nandito na kami eh, it's now or never.”
Bella Belen, earlier named the season MVP, poured out her best with 19 points through 16 spikes, three blocks, and 11 excellent digs.
“Alam ko yung capabilities nila Detdet [Pepito] at ng UST kaya hindi mo sila pwedeng ibasta-basta dahil hangga't hindi pa tapos yung game, lalaban at lalaban sila,” Belen said when asked about going up against her former teammate Pepito and her team.
After taking over in the fourth set, Belen smashed through a cross-court hit to send her team to championship point. Sheena Toring broke through the blockers with a hit to end their redemption season with a crown.
Meanwhile, Xyza Gula stood out for UST, registering 18 markers through 16 attacks and two blocks, while Jonna Perdido added 13 points.
Angge Poyos, who injured her ankle in Game 1, saw limited minutes in Game 2.
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