MANILA, Philippines – The National University Lady Bulldogs made history after winning the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball championship against the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers on Tuesday, June 21.
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| NU Lady Bulldogs are the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball champions | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/ National University of the Philippines |
The Lady Bulldogs were unbeaten this season and made an impressive winning streak of 16-0, the first time since Ateneo did in Season 77. Another history is made since this is the first time NU has won a UAAP women’s volleyball title after 65 long years.
Led by Bella Belen, the Lady Bulldogs dominated the final game against the Lady Spikers, 25-15, 25-15, 25-22. DLSU's Thea Gagate served NU's championship point.
NU's Belen also made history as she won both the Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player of UAAP Season 84. She's the first rookie player to bag the 2 awards in the collegiate women’s volleyball.
Meanwhile, team captain Cess Robles was named Finals MVP.
Led by Bella Belen, the Lady Bulldogs dominated the final game against the Lady Spikers, 25-15, 25-15, 25-22. DLSU's Thea Gagate served NU's championship point.
After 65 long years, NU finally won a UAAP women's volleyball title.
— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) June 21, 2022
The Lady Bulldogs pull off a rare 16-0 season sweep to rule the UAAP Season 84 women's volleyball!#UAAPSeason84 #FullyAlive #ChampionsForLife pic.twitter.com/WBbDaD5A2D
NU's Belen also made history as she won both the Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player of UAAP Season 84. She's the first rookie player to bag the 2 awards in the collegiate women’s volleyball.
Meanwhile, team captain Cess Robles was named Finals MVP.
Last June 18, the Lady Bulldogs dominated the La Salle Lady Spikers in Game 1 of the Season 84 finals at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Earlier, first-year mentor Karl Dimaculangan shared how determined they are to deliver NU’s first women’s volleyball title since 1957. “Tapos na 'yung eliminations so at this level, we’re expecting more intense and pressure-packed games. As I always remind the team, our mission is not yet finished,” he said.
Earlier, DLSU coach Benson Bocboc said they felt undeterred with NU's sweep record in the season. He said at the end of the day, everyone gets a fair chance of winning on the field.
"Going into the game, I think level yung playing field. "I don't think may value dito yung 14-0. So umabot tayo ng finals, we play best of three. So [we] start from zero. Unahan lang tayo kung sino makakakuha ng dalawang panalo," he said.
Lady Spiker Alleiah Malaluan agreed with Coach Benson's view on the series.
"Entering the finals, mindset ko is like, dapat hindi pa tapos ‘yung season, so kailangan talaga namin mag-work hard for the ate’s and coaches, and sa mga nag su-support sa’min, and also sa La Sallian community, especially," said Malaluan.
"Kasi, grabe ‘yung supporta nila sa’min, and di pa kami tapos kailangan pa namin mag tiyaga in everything we need to do, when it comes to the game," she added.
— Sally, The Summit Express
Earlier, first-year mentor Karl Dimaculangan shared how determined they are to deliver NU’s first women’s volleyball title since 1957. “Tapos na 'yung eliminations so at this level, we’re expecting more intense and pressure-packed games. As I always remind the team, our mission is not yet finished,” he said.
Earlier, DLSU coach Benson Bocboc said they felt undeterred with NU's sweep record in the season. He said at the end of the day, everyone gets a fair chance of winning on the field.
"Going into the game, I think level yung playing field. "I don't think may value dito yung 14-0. So umabot tayo ng finals, we play best of three. So [we] start from zero. Unahan lang tayo kung sino makakakuha ng dalawang panalo," he said.
Lady Spiker Alleiah Malaluan agreed with Coach Benson's view on the series.
"Entering the finals, mindset ko is like, dapat hindi pa tapos ‘yung season, so kailangan talaga namin mag-work hard for the ate’s and coaches, and sa mga nag su-support sa’min, and also sa La Sallian community, especially," said Malaluan.
"Kasi, grabe ‘yung supporta nila sa’min, and di pa kami tapos kailangan pa namin mag tiyaga in everything we need to do, when it comes to the game," she added.
— Sally, The Summit Express
