Vange Alinsug says no shame for NU after failed three-peat bid

NU captain Vange Alinsug, right, smiles with the silver medal around her neck after Game 2 of the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball Finals against La Salle.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — National University captain Vange Alinsug remained proud of the Lady Bulldogs after their three-peat dream was shattered in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament.

Alinsug stressed that the Lady Bulldogs have nothing to be ashamed of despite being swept by La Salle in the UAAP Finals on Saturday before 22,509 fans at Mall of Asia Arena.

“I’m still very proud of our team because we really worked hard and went through a lot just to make it to the Finals,” said Alinsug in Filipino after NU was dispatched by La Salle in Game 2, 25-22, 25-16, 25-16.

READ: UAAP: NU coach expects ‘hungrier’ Lady Bulldogs next season

NU after a silver medal finish. #UAAPSeason88 @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/a1zjyHcGEo

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 9, 2026

“I told them that there’s nothing embarrassing about losing because making it to the finals is already something to be proud of for us. But at the same time, we also need to be tougher because our opponents really came in wanting to win,” she added.

Alinsug, who led NU with 14 points in Game 2, remained proud of their runner-up finish in the post-Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon era, which won them three of the last four championships.

“Actually, I was very confident that we could still do it because even now, when we’re still adjusting to each other, we still made it to the Finals. We just need to keep working harder,” she said.

Asked about her commitment next season, Alinsug was still unsure: “We’ll see, we’ll see.”