The NU Lady Bulldogs during Game 1 of the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball finals on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News
MANILA, Philippines – The National University Lady Bulldogs' chemistry and familiarity were the keys to their 25-17, 25-21, 13-25, 25-17 triumph over De La Salle Lady Spikers in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball finals.
This was according to team captain Bella and Vange Alinsug, who believed that those were the reasons why they quickly bounced back after a Set 3 meltdown.
READ: UAAP: Belen, Alinsug shine as National U overwhelms La Salle for 1-0 lead
After posting only 13 points in that chapter, the Lady Bulldogs regained their form in the succeeding frame to complete a four-set win over their Sunday rivals.
“Malaking factor yung kilala namin yung isa't-isa kasi sa training din naman nagsisimula talaga eh, kung may lutang, madadala sa laro so ina-approach namin ‘yun and pinaguusapan namin ‘yun and alam namin kung paano mababawi ‘yun,” said Alinsug, who put up 21 points.
READ: 'Bilog ang bola': De Jesus not losing hope despite La Salle's sorry Game 1 loss to NU
“Kilala na namin 'yung bawat isa kunwari nag error man si ganito, alam na namin kung paano siya ia-approach. Kung wala man sa mood si ganito alam namin kung paano siya ili-lift up so malaking bagay talaga ‘yung chemistry lalo na po sa volleyball,” said Belen, who was in close second in terms of scoring with 19 markers.
“Nakita naman namin throughout hindi lang ngayong season, kumbaga kahit ‘yung mga past season nakita namin kung paano nakatulong ‘yun sa pagkamit namin ng championship,” she added.
READ: UAAP: National U completes reverse sweep vs. FEU to punch Finals ticket
Even coach Sherwin Meneses, who had just joined NU this season, acknowledged this.
“Actually, 'yung chemistry ng NU nandiyan naman pero sabi ko nga, kailangan pagpaguran kasi wala namang champion ngayon, defending champions so dapat mai-defend talaga namin ‘yung crown ng NU,” he said.
NU tries to close out the series on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.