National University is one win away from completing its redemption story in UAAP Season 86.
UPDATE (May 13, 2024) - The Lady Bulldogs close in on redemption.
National University is one win away from completing its redemption story.
The Lady Bulldogs were all business in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 86 Finals, issuing a strong statement to UST by way of a three-set sweep.
NU left no stone unturned, applying pressure even as the Golden Tigresses reeled on the absence of star rookie Angge Poyos, who tweaked her ankle mid-match. Expect the Lady Bulldogs to keep at it as they go for the jugular in Game 2 set for Wednesday, May 15.
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Over the past two UAAP women’s volleyball seasons, perfection has been the theme and the name of the game.
On the strength of the first-ever women’s Rookie-MVP, NU’s Generation of Miracles completed a sweep of Season 84, ending a 65-year title drought.
On the shoulders of the second-ever Rookie-MVP, De La Salle revived its dynasty by issuing a perfect response to win the Season 85 championship.
The perfect trend continued in Season 86, and it only seems… well, perfect that the two teams that could lay claim on the “perfect” tag will dispute this year’s championship.
[Related: ‘Wag ka muna mag-libero”: NU star Bella Belen leaves a message for her bestie Detdet Pepito in time for UAAP Finals]
Despite being among the shortest and youngest in the eight-team UAAP field, UST used a perfect first round to establish itself as a true contender.
On the heart of a third prospective Rookie-MVP in Angge Poyos, and on the support from the rest of “Mini Miss UST” led by team captain Detdet Pepito, the Golden Tigresses are ready for primetime.
UST’s second round was rocky, in comparison to its historic start. But the Golden Tigresses went perfect when they needed to, beating defending champion De La Salle in all three of their games this season, including twice in one week, to make a roaring entrance to the Finals.
[Related: UAAP: Detdet Pepito honored to lead "Mini Miss UST" to first Finals appearance since Season 81]
Opposite the Tigresses are the NU Lady Bulldogs, who used a perfect second round to jump from no. 3 to the no. 1 seed entering the Final Four.
And though NU lost its coveted twice-to-beat advantage, the battle-tested Lady Bulldogs went perfect in their first do-or-die game of the season, beating FEU to advance to a third-straight UAAP Finals.
By the time NU and UST start their titular showdown, both teams are no longer perfect. But by the time this first-time Finals matchup is over, one of the Lady Bulldogs or the Golden Tigresses will have a perfect ending.
Will Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Vange Alinsug, the rest of the Lady Bulldogs pack complete their own redemption story for Season 86?
[Related: UAAP: Alyssa Solomon reveals "sermon" she received from ate Jaja Santiago after NU's Final Four win over FEU]
Or will Poyos, Pepito, Regina Jurado, Cassie Carballo, Jonna Perdido, and the whole of “Mini Miss UST” cast a glowing gold crown in España, something all of the Thomasian community have been craving for in over a decade?
Come find out.
Game 1
May 11, 2024 - 4:00 p.m.
Smart Araneta Coliseum
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Game 2
May 15, 2024 - 4:00 p.m.
Mall of Asia Arena
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If necessary
Game 3
May 18, 2024 - 4:00 p.m.
Mall of Asia Arena