Already a legit powerhouse, Girl Bulldogs start laying dynasty-building groundwork

Vange Alinsug and the NU Girl Bulldogs within the UAAP Season 87 ladies’s volleyball Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.internet

Nationwide College (NU) has established itself as a contemporary powerhouse within the UAAP ladies’s volleyball event. And because the Girl Bulldogs stand on the sting of a second straight crown, a standard heavyweight stands of their manner.

Past NU’s dedication to not let La Salle damage its grand pursuit, there’s the truth that cornerstones Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon—the standouts who lined their faculty among the many prime star-creating packages within the nation—may very well be taking part in their closing sport collectively in blue and gold.

For them, profitable the Season 87 title has gone past cementing the Girl Bulldogs’ standing as titans of the game. It’s about firming up the groundwork for future success.

“I’m very joyful as a result of [we have a chance] to go away the youthful gamers one thing. And hopefully, we will actually go away one thing lovely,” Belen, the staff’s skipper who was named this season’s Most Priceless Participant, stated of the 5 p.m. match at Mall of Asia Enviornment in Pasay Metropolis, the place NU can finish La Salle’s hopes and run away with a 3rd crown in 4 years.

Solomon echoed that sentiment, reflecting on the dedication they made again once they have been doe-eyed kids—one which helped grease the trail for the Girl Bulldogs’ continued rise.

“For me, I’m proud as a result of we’ve left a historical past since Season 84. Earlier than we even entered the collegiate degree, we already advised our batchmates that we’d ship a championship to NU. And I believe that’s how this all began,” stated Solomon, the ace reverse hitter who is anticipated to discover alternatives overseas.

“I’m very joyful as a result of most of our highschool teammates continued at NU in school,” Belen added. “It’s an enormous consider how we’re transferring now, as a result of everyone knows one another.”

A triumph towards the Girl Spikers can be a storybook ending for the Girl Bulldogs, who’re out to claim their mastery of volleyball’s modern-day rivalry.

Peerless RDJ

“I maintain telling the gamers that the closeout sport is the toughest,” stated NU coach Sherwin Meneses, who’s out to brighten his already spectacular resume with a primary collegiate title.

His intestine really feel is just not unfounded. Historical past reveals that La Salle is able to pulling the rug from beneath its opponents on this stage, having dropped a collection opener solely to storm again and steal the crown.

The Cha Cruz-starred Girl Spikers did simply that towards Far Japanese College throughout Season 71 in March 2009, after which once more towards archrival Ateneo three years later in Season 74.

Each cases have been additionally beneath the watchful eye of the peerless Ramil de Jesus, the architect behind La Salle’s 12 championships.

De Jesus had stated he’s hoping his staff can crank up its setting play, and draw extra from stars Angel Canino and Shevana Laput because the Girl Spikers got down to reclaim the {hardware} they final held two years in the past.

“La Salle gained’t go down and not using a struggle,” Meneses stated in a separate chat with the Inquirer. “Their combating spirit is one thing else.” INQ