MANILA — National University (NU) completed its redemption tour with a pulsating 25-23, 23-25, 27-25, 25-16 victory over the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Game 2 of the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament Wednesday (15 May 2024) at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The tightly-fought match attracted a crowd of 22,515 fans.
Alyssa Solomon shone brightly, scoring 24 points on 20-of-37 attacks, leading the Lady Bulldogs to their second championship in three years and their fourth overall title.
After a heartbreaking loss to La Salle in last season’s Finals, NU had a slow start this tournament. However, newly-crowned two-time MVP Bella Belen remained consistent during tough times, and Solomon, a two-time Best Opposite Spiker, bounced back from a disappointing performance in the Final Four.
NU swept the season, claiming all collegiate volleyball titles, a feat unmatched since 2010. The Bulldogs clinched their fourth consecutive crown by sweeping UST for the second straight year in the best-of-three Finals, with a 25-21, 22-25, 25-17, 25-15 win in Game 2.
UST’s super rookie Angge Poyos, who suffered a right ankle injury in the Finals opener, started in Game 2, trying to lift the beleaguered Tigresses. However, the Lady Bulldogs displayed remarkable poise on the league’s biggest stage, reclaiming their throne.
Belen contributed significantly with 19 points, 11 digs, and nine receptions, while Sheena Toring added 13 points for NU. For UST, Xyza Gula led with 18 points and 10 digs, and Jonna Perdido logged 14 points.
In the men’s division, the Bulldogs, under the guidance of decorated mentor Dante Alinsunurin, secured their sixth title, the fourth in a row, making it the league’s first four-peat since the Golden Spikers from 2008-2011.
Sophomore outside spiker Buds Buddin delivered a game-high 28 points on 22-of-40 kills, five blocks, and had 16 receptions. Nico Almendras, in his final game for NU, scored 20 points with 17-of-33 attacks and three blocks, along with 17 receptions and six digs. Setter Owa Retamar contributed 26 excellent sets, nine digs, and three points.
“We’re extremely grateful. I saw the determination in my players as soon as we arrived here—they wanted this championship,” said Alinsunurin.
Josh Ybañez, the newly-minted two-time MVP, hammered 24 kills and had seven digs, while Gboy de Vega added 15 points and 15 receptions for the Golden Spikers.
Despite the loss, it was a commendable season for UST, becoming the first No. 4 team to reach the Finals after defeating top-ranked Far Eastern University twice in the Final Four. The turning point came in the third set of the women’s match, when Sheena Toring blocked Gula for the set point, helping the Lady Bulldogs overturn a 21-23 deficit to gain the upper hand.
(el Amigo/MNM)
