Manila: National University secured its fourth title in the Shakey's Super League (SSL) Unity Cup after outlasting University of Santo Tomas, 22-25, 25-22, 25-27, 25-23, 15-10, Saturday night in Game 2 of the best-of-three finals at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. Led by prized rookie Sam Cantada and veteran Vange Alinsug, the Lady Bulldogs dominated the fifth set to sweep the league's centerpiece tournament for the second straight season.
According to Philippines News Agency, Cantada delivered 24 points built on 20 attacks, two aces, and two blocks, while Alinsug chipped in 19 points. Kaye Bombita added 14 points to the tally. Lams Lamina, named tournament MVP and Best Setter, made 25 excellent sets, and Abegail Pono contributed 26 to help the Lady Bulldogs convert 65 attacks. Shaira Jardio produced 18 digs and 11 excellent receptions for the Lady Bulldogs, who pulled off a victory in the series opener last week.
"We're happy because we're champions. Congratulations also to UST because they've been playing well, they're really strong. We've gauged what we can do," Regine Diego, in her first year as NU coach, said. "Hopefully, you get to see more of us in the future. Hopefully, we can defend our title not just here but also in the UAAP," Diego added, joining the ranks of Lady Bulldogs champion coaches Karl Dimaculangan, Norman Miguel, and Sherwin Meneses.
Xyza Gula paced UST with 16 points, followed by Julia Balingit with 13, Regina Jurado with 12, and Marga Altea with 11. UST played minus Angge Poyos who was injured during practice. Other recipients of individual awards were Jardio (Best Libero), Jurado (Best Opposite Spiker), Adamson University's Shaina Nitura (1st Best Outside Spiker), Gula (2nd Best Outside Spiker), NU's Chams Maaya (1st Best Middle Blocker), and Altea (2nd Best Middle Blocker).
