A fierce rivalry ignited at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, culminating in a nail-biting victory for National University (NU) over the University of Santo Tomas (UST). The Lady Bulldogs clawed their way to a 15-25, 25-23, 25-17, 13-25, 15-12 win, bringing them to the edge of an unprecedented fourth consecutive championship in the SSL Preseason Unity Cup.
The final set was a brutal back-and-forth battle, with UST seizing a 10-12 lead and appearing poised to force a deciding Game 3. But NU, displaying the resilience of true champions, unleashed a stunning 5-0 run to snatch the victory from the jaws of defeat, silencing the Golden Tigresses and their supporters.
Leading the charge for NU was incoming UAAP rookie Sam Cantada, who delivered a powerful performance with 18 points, including 16 attacks and two crucial aces. Her return from a national team commitment in Bahrain proved immediately impactful, injecting fresh energy into the Lady Bulldogs’ lineup.
Veteran Cham Maaya provided vital support, contributing 14 points and a game-sealing block against UST’s star spiker, Angge Poyos. The combined efforts of Kaye Bombita and Vange Alinsug, adding 11 and 9 points respectively, solidified NU’s offensive prowess throughout the grueling two-hour and 39-minute match.
New coach Regine Diego emphasized the importance of process over outcome, noting that focusing on each step – the pass, the set, the attack – allowed her team to overcome moments of panic and regain control. This strategic shift proved pivotal in the final set’s dramatic turnaround.
This victory marks the ninth consecutive win for the powerhouse Lady Bulldogs, a remarkable streak achieved even after the departure of key players Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon. The team’s ability to rebuild and maintain dominance speaks volumes about their program’s strength and depth.
Despite a humbling 13-25 loss in the fourth set, NU refused to yield, demonstrating the unwavering spirit that defines their championship legacy. They responded to UST’s surge in the fifth set with a determined comeback, proving they are a force to be reckoned with.
Angge Poyos led UST with 21 points, but her efforts weren’t enough to overcome NU’s relentless pressure. Contributions from Regina Jurado, Marga Altea, and Xyza Gula also fell short, leaving the Golden Tigresses facing a must-win situation in their next encounter.
In other matches, the University of the Philippines secured fifth place with a 23-25, 25-16, 25-23, 25-16 victory over Ateneo. St. Benilde claimed seventh place with a dominant sweep of San Beda, winning 25-10, 25-20, 25-14.
The stage is now set for a thrilling showdown next Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, where NU will attempt to seal their historic four-peat and cement their dynasty in the SSL Preseason Unity Cup. Adamson and Far Eastern University will also battle for the bronze medal in a highly anticipated contest.
