What began as a campaign for redemption ended in domination.
With their eyes set firmly on legacy, National University completed a dominant run in UAAP Season 87, clinching its third women’s volleyball title in four seasons—and its first-ever back-to-back championship in school history—with a masterful sweep of De La Salle University, 25-19, 25-18, 25-19.
This victory, their fifth overall title, wasn’t just about numbers.
It was a storybook finale for NU’s “Golden Generation”—the battle-tested core of Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Sheena Toring, and Erin Pangilinan, who grew up at the school’s high school unit Nazareth School before moving up to NU.
“Sobrang saya, hindi ko ma-explain ‘yung feeling talaga. Parang naghahalo na lungkot, saya, excited — parang lahat na,” said an emotional Bella Belen, who capped off her storied UAAP career with an 18-point explosion alongside 11 digs and 8 receptions in Game 2.
“Hindi siya naging madali for us… sa pagtiyatiyaga at pagiging masipag namin, ‘ayon, nakamit din namin ‘yung goal namin this season.”
Just a year removed from their Season 86 title, NU was still haunted by the sting of Season 85—a year in which their hopes of a dynasty were derailed by La Salle in the Finals.
That heartbreak became fuel. This time, there was no room for doubt.
After dropping a set in Game 1, the Lady Bulldogs came into Game 2 with laser focus.
At 16-13 in the third frame, they unleashed a 7-3 run, anchored by Belen, Alexa Mata, and Pangilinan, to close the door on any La Salle comeback.
“‘Yung chemistry na nabuo namin within eight months, sobrang bilis. ‘Yung leadership nila, especially si Bella, talagang napakagaling niyang maghandle ng team,” said head coach Sherwin Meneses, who led NU to the title in his first year at the helm.
The victory also silenced critics who questioned Meneses’ capability, branding him as “lucky” for inheriting a loaded roster.
“Every training, every game, ‘yun ‘yung trabaho namin. Nandito kami para mag-guide sa mga players,” Meneses calmly responded to doubters. “Bahala na sila sa buhay nila.”
In a tournament filled with adversity—including elimination round stumbles to UP and Adamson—NU found ways to peak when it mattered most.
In the finale, the Lady Bulldogs were led by Spotify co-Finals MVPs Vange Alinsug and Shaira Jardio.
Alinsug followed up her 21-point Game 1 performance with 10 points in the clincher, while Jardio continued her defensive brilliance with 21 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions, proving instrumental in neutralizing La Salle’s offense.
“I’m super happy kasi nagawa namin yung goal namin this season,” said Belen, who became a three-time UAAP MVP, a feat only two others in league history have achieved.
The finale also marked the end of an era.
Alyssa Solomon, who delivered 13 points in her last UAAP match, confirmed her plans to rest and explore overseas opportunities, drawing comparisons to NU legend Jaja Santiago.
“Kung may opportunities overseas, sige, i-grab natin, kasi for experience na rin naman ‘yan ‘eh,” said Solomon, who also tallied 231 total points this season despite battling through injuries.
“Pero for now, rest muna yung katawan ko,” she added.
As the curtain falls on NU’s legendary core, Meneses’ focus now shifts toward continuity.
With strong recruitment roots and a promising next-gen core—including senior playmaker Lams Lamina, Alinsug, Jardio, Arah Panique, Chams Maaya, Alexa Mata, Celine Marsh, and Kaye Bombita—NU seems poised to remain a powerhouse.
“Yung labanan ngayon, recruitment talaga. Hopefully, ngayong may player ang NU, mag-succeed sa mga susunod na taon,” said Meneses.
The numbers speak volumes—three championships in four years, two straight titles, and a squad that built a winning culture from the ground up.
The Lady Bulldogs didn’t just reclaim their throne. They built a dynasty, one set at a time.
