UAAP: NU wins 2nd straight women’s title with sweep of La Salle
LIVE: UAAP Season 87 volleyball Finals Game 2 – May 14, 2025
NU Lady Bulldogs celebrate latest UAAP title after beating La Salle in a sweep in the Season 87 women’s volleyball finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–National University cemented its status as the new standard in UAAP women’s volleyball on Wednesday night after putting away old power La Salle in Game 2 of the Season 87 championship series.
The Lady Bulldogs, on the shoulders of outgoing skipper and newly-minted Most Valuable Player Bella Belen, carved out an authoritative 25-19, 25-18, 25-19, triumph at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, clinching a second-straight championship—the first in program history.
READ: Bella Belen raises 3rd UAAP MVP then delivers on NU title promise
Vange Alinsug for the championship! #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/SK7dtD7UhC
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 14, 2025
“Diligence carried us here,” Belen later said in the post-game presser, reflecting on the journey that began way back during her high school years alongside Alysa Solomon.
Vange Alinsug, installed as heir apparent to cornerstones Belen and Alyssa Solomon, fittingly delivered the championship point for the Jhocson squad. She was named the Finals MVP alongside Shaira Jardio.
READ: UAAP: Vange Alinsug, new face of NU program for coming years, shows her worth
La Salle, the last squad to complete a back-to-back—which came within a three-peat from Seasons 78 through 80, could only watch behind the valiant efforts of Angel Canino and Shevana Laput as their tormentors laid the groundwork for their dynastic rule.
Belen topscored with 18 points that went with 11 digs. Solomon has 13 while Alinsug 10 in the scoring effort.
NU Lady Bulldogs celebrate latest UAAP title after beating La Salle in a sweep in the Season 87 women’s volleyball finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
“This is to make up for (the last time),” Solomon said, referring to when NU was blanked by La Salle on the same stage to win the crown.
The triumph, fashioned before 15,966 screaming souls at the bayside venue in Pasay City, is the Lady Bulldogs’ third crown in four seasons, solidifying their claim as the proverbial yardstick in the showcase.
The feat also gave NU, now coached by multi-titled pro mentor Sherwin Meneses, supremacy in its rivalry with La Salle, a program that touts 12 crowns.
“There was so much pressure. Nothing but a championship,” said Meneses, who finally was able to win one over his peerless counterpart Ramil de Jesus. “We couldn’t go for first or second. It was only about being a champion again.
