UAAP: NU middles make ‘big impact’ in finals return
NU’s Chamy Maaya celebrates during a win over FEU in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Final Four.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — National University flaunted its frontline depth as Chams Maaya and Alexa Mata stepped up to help the defending champion rally past gritty Far Eastern University to advance to its fourth straight UAAP women’s volleyball finals.
The Lady Bulldogs, stacked with talented wing spikers, proved they have a solid middle blocker rotation as well to stave off the Lady Tamaraws, 20-25, 22-25, 25-23, 25-14, 17-15, on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
READ: UAAP: Belen, Solomon take charge as NU avoids Final Four deja vu vs FEU
Chams Maaya and Alexa Mata after stepping up in the Final Four for NU. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/o1YdNxzaYE
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 3, 2025
After Maaya highlighted her 13-point effort with five blocks in the first two sets, NU turned to its other middle blockers Mata and Sheena Toring to hold the fort in the last three sets. Mata tallied eight points including clutch quick attacks and blocks while Toring chipped in five points to send FEU packing.
“Our mindset helped a lot, especially when we middles step up, particularly in blocking. That’s really crucial. A team can’t win if only some are doing the work—we all have to move and contribute,” Mata told reporters in Filipino.
Mata said she wouldn’t have been able to do it if Maaya didn’t set the tone.
“Cham Cham’s energy is super important. When no one brings that kind of vibe, it’s tough out there. Her role is really vital, and her energy is contagious. So when I got subbed in, I made sure to give them the same kind of energy she brought,” she said.
Maaya knew Mata and others would step up even though she was benched in the remainder of the match.
READ: UAAP: NU Lady Bulldogs return to finals, rally past FEU
“I know my teammates well. Even if we’re down two sets, we’re going to keep fighting,” said Maaya. “Our goal was to finish it already so we can get enough time to rest and prepare for the finals.”
Setter Lams Lamina, who had 26 excellent sets, credited their win to the confidence of her middle blockers to ask for the ball.
“My middles really made a big impact—and that all starts with our passing. I’m happy because all of them were actually asking for the ball. That made my job a lot easier since they were constantly calling for it, so it was simple for me to set them up and that made things simpler for them too,” Lamina said.
NU will be tested in the finals against a top blocking and taller La Salle side in their best-of-three series beginning Sunday.
Maaya and Mata promise to stay ready and keep on contributing.
“We need to start strong and contribute collectively,” Maaya said.
“Point by point, we must keep on pushing,” Mata added.
