Shaira Jardio and Vange Alinsug were named Co-Finals MVPs of the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News
MANILA, Philippines – Vange Alinsug and Shaira Jardio just gave a sneak peek of how National University will look like in its post-Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon era.
Alinsug and Jardio showed what they could bring unto the championship stage, leading the Lady Bulldogs to a 25-19, 25-18, 25-19 straight-set triumph over the De La Salle Lady Spikers on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
READ: BACK-TO-BACK: NU sweeps La Salle, clinches 2nd straight women's volleyball title
The gritty outside spiker and hardworking libero were named Co-Finals MVPs after spectacular offensive and defensive performances, respectively, in Games 1 and 2.
On Wednesday, Alinsug dropped 10 points on nine attacks and one block to go with six excellent digs, while Jardio outplayed her counterpart with 21 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions.
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They had also stuffed the stat sheet in the Finals opener -- Alinsug had 21 attack points to lead her team, while Jardio tallied a whopping 28 excellent receptions and 18 excellent digs.
"I think yes po," said Alinsug, acknowledging that they are the ones next in line. "Kasi, knowing na aalis na talaga sila, aalis na po ba?" she added in jest.
"Sana sa mga maiiwan is madala namin ito sa susunod na season and alam ko din naman talaga na kahit wala na 'yung seniors namin sa first six, madaming mawawala, meron ding mas malakas pa na papalit and paghihirapan naman namin 'yun hanggang sa mag-season ulit."
Jardio believes this is the time to lead the NU squad.
READ: UAAP: NU's Belen, Solomon eye triumphant send-off in Game 2 vs. La Salle
"Sa 'kin, sobrang laki, kasi gusto ko rin i-lead 'yung team namin. So, parang 'yung finals na ‘to, na naging Finals MVP nga ako, tsaka si Vangie, siguro ito na 'yung time na i-lead namin 'yung team kasi mawawala 'yung mga seniors namin."