The UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball action was full of action, drama, cheers and tears as the NU Lady Bulldogs reigned supreme in the tournament.
The UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament is officially over and it’s clear that it will certainly be one to remember in the years to come.
From historic starts to thrilling upsets, Season 86 had it all as all eight teams laid it all on the line for the title.
With that in mind, let’s check out some of the biggest takeaways from the tournament.
1. There was no stopping NU’s redemption story
National University is officially back on the mountaintop of UAAP women’s volleyball after reclaiming the crown in the Season 86 Finals.
From the moment the tournament began, the goal has always been redemption for the Lady Bulldogs. And while there were some bumps in their journey, ultimately, there was no stopping Season 86 MVP Bella Belen and Finals MVP Alyssa Solomon from achieving their second title for NU.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Season 86 title shows NU Lady Bulldogs more than Alyssa-Bella tandem, says captain Erin Pangilinan]
2. Mini Miss UST’s heart stole the show in Season 86
The University of Santo Tomas’ 'heart over height' mantra was on full display in the tournament and it nearly brought them a championship.
While the Golden Tigresses did fall short in bringing the title back to España, the Mini Miss UST squad captured the hearts of many throughout the season.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Kungfu Reyes takes pride in Mini Miss UST’s gallant run despite silver finish]
And with an intact lineup heading into Season 87, expect their Finals defeat to fuel them in their own redemption story.
[ALSO READ: 'Gusto ko na kaagad bumawi' | Angge Poyos hungrier than ever after UST settles for UAAP silver]
3. Injuries derailed DLSU’s back-to-back title hopes
It’s safe to say that Season 86 was simply not De La Salle University’s year.
Injuries to Angel Canino and Jyne Sorreno certainly derailed La Salle’s hopes of retaining the title, as the Lady Spikers were sent packing during the Final Four.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Angel Canino's mother clarifies issues surrounding DLSU superstar’s injury, going pro rumors]
But if there’s anything we learned from the Ramil De Jesus-led Lady Spikers, it’s that they always find a way to bounce back. Expect De La Salle to be another team with a redemption arc to complete for next year.
4. ‘Super rookies’ trend continued in Season 86
In Season 86, fans were introduced to rookies Angge Poyos of UST and Casiey Dongallo of UE.
While neither of them made it three-straight Rookie-MVPs in the UAAP, the two broke records and set career-highs after career-highs throughout the tournament, continuing the trend of super rookies the league has seen over the past two years.
Poyos finished as the Rookie of the Year, while Dongallo was the Best Scorer in the league with a rookie record of 291 points.
Expect even greater things from the two in the years to come.
5. FEU is slowly but surely getting there
If there’s one team that surprised many in Season 86, it would be Far Eastern University.
While fans expected the Lady Tamaraws to contend for a Final Four spot, the Morayta-based squad exceeded that as they were just a win away from advancing to the Finals.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Three-team title race? Manolo Refugia, FEU Lady Tamaraws have something to say about that]
It has been a thrilling turnaround for FEU, who finished with a 1-13 record back in Season 84 and is now seemingly ready to compete for the title.
6. Rebuild continues for Ateneo, Adamson, UE, UP
It wasn’t a season to remember for Ateneo de Manila University, Adamson University, the University of the East, and the University of the Philippines.
Coming into the tournament, the four teams had all undergone major changes, whether it be in their roster or through their coaches.
The good thing is that these teams showed their potential in Season 86 and with experience under their belt, they can only improve further heading into next season.
Expect more thrilling storylines and heart-pumping action come the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament next year.