By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs completed a three-peat in the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Pre-season Collegiate Challenge after a 23-25, 25-18, 25-16, 25-20 Game 2 win over the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Negrense Shaira Jardio played a pivotal role on the defensive end to be named the tournament’s Best Libero, while Guimarasnon Camile Lamina claimed the Best Setter citation for NU.

Mhicaela Belen was named SSL Most Valuable Player and 1st Best Open Spiker, while Alyssa Solomon netted the Best Opposite Spiker citation for NU, which swept the best-of-three series, 2-0.

After dropping a tight opening set, the Lady Bulldogs responded with a strong start in the second frame behind the offense of Belen, Solomon and Evangeline Alinsug to tie the set score at 1-1.

The Lady Bulldogs continued their run in the third frame with a 19-9 start before settling for a 25-16 set win.

NU then went for the kill in the fourth set as they thwarted DLSU’s repeated attempts to extend the match.

“I am very happy kasi nanalo kami laban sa La Salle. Talagang pinaghirapan namin itong game na ito kasi alam naman natin ang La Salle, talagang gusto nila talagang bumawi [sa Game 2],” said Belen, who finished with 15 points for NU.

“Siguro, for me, tiyaga lang and hindi kami dapat makampante kahit nananalo kami. Dapat itaas pa namin ‘yung performance namin, and hindi kami ma-satisfy kung ano ‘yung na-achieve namin,” she added.

Meanwhile, Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws bagged the bronze medal after a 20-25, 25-19, 23-25, 25-19, 15-12 victory against the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses./ASC, WDJ