SO now, is the key to the city safe and sound without the queen?
That would remain as the biggest question in National University (NU)’s queendom amidst an impending departure of their two royalties — ironically when the school just established the coveted dynasty in the UAAP women’s volleyball.
Three-time MVP Mhicaela “Bella” Belen and last season’s Finals MVP Alyssa Solomon had played their final games as the Lady Bulldogs in epic fashions, delivering NU’s second straight and third overall title in the last four seasons with a 2-0 sweep of modern day rival De La Salle University at the close of the UAAP Season 87.
The feat fulfilled the Lady Bulldogs’ bid as the best collegiate volleyball program in the country on Friday — albeit they already are in the high school scene where Ms. Belen and company came — but for some, it just produced more questions than answers.
Will there be enough firepower left in NU to defend its throne next season? Who will rise to the challenge to fill the big shoes left by Mmess. Belen and Solomon? Is the three-peat possible without them? Are the up-and-coming players ready to fend off the wrath of La Salle and the rest of the pack?
“Hopefully, more championships just like in pro,” said coach Sherwin Meneses, a champion in his debut year with the Lady Bulldogs.
Mr. Meneses is a seven-time champion in the PVL, best known as the author behind the Creamline dynasty that just clinched a Grand Slam last year. He’s fully aware that building one would require more than just court smarts, skills and talents.
Friday’s battle landscape also includes massive forces outside the Taraflex, making it one of the biggest factors in building or protecting a winning tradition.
And even before its championship feat, NU has unleashed a first move to secure its future, landing former University of Santo Tomas captain Jaila Adrao for NUNS as her bridge to the UAAP women’s next season.
Led by Finals MVP Harlyn Serneche and Best Outside Spiker Denesse Daylisan, NUNS also regained the girls’ volleyball title for its seventh overall title for the second-most in UAAP history.
Then there’s Vange Alinsug, the unheralded third member of NU’s triumvirate who rose to the occasion with a Co-Finals MVP award with libero Shaira Mae Jardio in the women’s play.
Mmess. Alinsug, Jardio and two-time Best Setter Lams Lamina will inherit the mantle of leadership with young stars Arah Panique, Celine Marsh, Alexa Mata and Abegail Pono, who are all products of NUNS’ own dynasty in high school with Mmess. Belen and Solomon.
And this early, Ms. Alinsug and company assured their readiness for the bigger role as NU shoots for a three-peat next season.
For Mmess. Belen and Solomon, that’s all they wanted for a fitting swan song — knowing that their beloved alma mater is in great hands as they go turn professional either here or abroad. — John Bryan Ulanday
