NU Lady Bulldogs Dominate La Salle to Grab Historic UAAP Volleyball Crown
It was more than just a win for National University. It was a statement.
The NU Lady Bulldogs put on a dominant performance against the La Salle Lady Spikers to claim the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball crown, and they didn’t even need a third game. In a packed Mall of Asia Arena with over 18,000 fans, NU wrapped things up quickly in Game 2, winning in straight sets and securing their first-ever back-to-back championship.
Veterans Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon were at the heart of it all, playing their final college game with grit and grace. Belen hammered in 18 points, proving why she’s a three-time MVP, while Solomon added 13 points of her own in what turned out to be a fitting farewell for the powerhouse duo.
The win was extra special because it brought NU full circle. Two years ago, La Salle had swept them in the same finals setting. This time, NU flipped the script. Same date. Same venue. But a completely different outcome.
Credit also goes to NU’s rising stars. Vange Alinsug and libero Shaira Jardio shared the Finals MVP honor after standout performances throughout the series. Alinsug, who dropped 21 points in Game 1, added 10 more in Game 2. Jardio anchored the defense with 21 digs and 12 receptions, helping shut down La Salle’s attacks.
This championship also marked a personal milestone for NU coach Sherwin Meneses, who finally claimed his first collegiate title after years of success in the pro league and a previous finals run with Adamson.
Despite La Salle's efforts, they just couldn’t find their rhythm. Angel Canino, the former Rookie-MVP, put up 12 points and hustled on defense, while Shevana Laput and Amie Provido chipped in 10 and 7 points respectively. But NU had all the answers, and La Salle had to settle for yet another second-place finish, their ninth runner-up appearance in the UAAP.
With this victory, NU now has five women’s volleyball titles under its belt, and three of them came in just the last four seasons. It’s clear the Lady Bulldogs aren’t just building a legacy, they’re setting the standard.
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