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John Bryan Ulanday - The Philippine Star
February 17, 2025 | 12:00am
NU's Bella Belen (4) celebrates after a point during the Lady Bulldogs' UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball clash with La Salle Sunday evening at the MOA Arena.
(UAAP Media Bureau)
MANILA, Philippines — Reigning champion National U gifted new mentor Sherwin Meneses a roaring debut win, battering rival La Salle in a 25-23, 25-21, 25-18 domination to cap the opening weekend of the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament yesterday in front of more than 16,000 fans at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Earlier, Shaina Nitura sent shockwaves by smashing the UAAP rookie record with 33 points as Adamson pulled off a reverse sweep of Ateneo, 21-25, 20-25, 25-12, 25-15, 15-12.
Up against whom they considered the biggest hurdle in their title retention bid, the Lady Bulldogs wasted no time coming through with a statement victory – a 90-minute blasting of the Lady Spikers.
Bella Belen, the two-time MVP winner in the past three seasons, chalked up 14 points on 10 hits, three aces and a block while her scoring partner in Finals MVP Alyssa Solomon dropped 13 points on 12 hits.
Alexa Nichole Mata chipped in 10 with Vange Alinsug and Erin May Pangilinan adding eight and seven, respectively, as Meneses, the author behind Creamline’s dynasty in the PVL, brought his winning magic to the collegiate play.
“’Yung three sets, medyo mahirap gawin sa La Salle so happy kami na nakuha namin ‘yung three sets,” said Meneses, named as NU mentor late last year taking the reins from Norman Miguel.
“Sa training pa lang, sinabi na namin na dapat first game maganda agad ‘yung pasok namin as a team. Kailangan yung pagta-tyaga namin, nandoon, kasi yung La Salle, champion team sila. Palaban ‘yung La Sallle so dapat mas palaban kami,” said Belen.
