By MARK REY MONTEJO
Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon closed out their collegiate careers with a bang after helping National University complete a two-game sweep of La Salle.
With the two NU veterans leading the assault, the Lady Bulldogs romped to a 25-19, 25-18, 25-19 Game 2 win over the Lady Spikers to clinch their first back-to-back UAAP titles in the Season 87 women’s volleyball at the jam-packed Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Wednesday, May 14.
In front of 18,514 roaring fans, Belen and Solomon took command early on, leading the Lady Bulldogs’ assault and made quick work of the Lady Spikers to claim their second straight title and fifth overall.
It was a sort of redemption for the Sampaloc-based squad as it endured a finals sweep against the very same rival in Season 85, which, interestingly, happened on the very same day and at the same venue against former Rookie-MVP Angel Canino.
Vange Alinsug and libero Shaira Jardio were named as co-Finals MVP of the best-of-three series.
After her career-high 21 points for NU in Game 1, Alinsug sizzled for 10 points, while Jardio collected 21 excellent digs and 12 receptions.
Sherwin Meneses, a multi-titled mentor in the pro scene, bagged his first-ever title in the collegiate ranks after falling short in his first stint with his alma mater Adamson University years ago.
The newly-minted three-time Most Valuable Player Belen pumped in 18 points on 17 attacks and one block, while Solomon registered 13 points, completing a perfect farewell for the two topnotch hitters.
Also contributing were Alexa Mata who produced eight points, and Erin Pangilinan wtih seven. Lams Lamina tallied 16 excellent sets.
On the other hand, Canino listed 12 points which all came from attack along with nine digs and 15 excellent receptions. Shevana Laput and Amie Provido put up 10 and seven points, respectively, in a losing effort as Ramil de Jesus yielded in his 21st finals appearance.
The loss also marked La Salle’s ninth runner-up finish in the league. The school has 12 championships under its belt.
