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In a finals stage filled with legacy, rivalry, and pressure, the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs once again proved why they are not just the defending champions — they are the team built to handle the weight of expectation.

Game 1 of the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Finals wasn't just a rematch; it was the continuation of a storied trilogy between NU and De La Salle University. And just like a gripping final chapter, NU made their message clear: this crown isn’t up for grabs — not yet.

Facing the same De La Salle team that dethroned them in 2023, the Lady Bulldogs took the court with purpose and poise.

Led by Vange Alinsug’s 21-point explosion and Bella Belen’s all-around brilliance — 19 points, 15 digs, and 10 excellent receptions — NU carved out a convincing 25-17, 25-21, 13-25, 25-17 win at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about mindset — and no one embodies that more than Belen.

National University (NU) reaffirmed its dominance in both men’s and women’s volleyball, securing crucial victories over the University of Santo Tomas (UST) to close the first round of the UAAP Season 87 tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, March 16.

National University continued its strong run in the UAAP Season 87 volleyball tournament, securing victories in both the men’s and women’s divisions against Adamson University on Wednesday, March 12, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The NU Lady Bulldogs maintained their unbeaten record, cruising past the Lady Falcons in straight sets, 25-21, 25-23, 25-18. Now at 6-0, they are just one win away from sweeping the first round, with a finals rematch against University of Santo Tomas set for Sunday, March 16, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.  

Alyssa Solomon led the charge with 22 points, while Vange Alinsug and Bella Belen added valuable contributions. Alinsug registered 12 markers, four receptions, and two digs, while Belen tallied nine points, 12 digs, and five receptions.

Despite Adamson taking a 20-16 lead in the second set, NU’s composure prevailed, with Solomon and Alinsug sparking a late comeback. The Lady Bulldogs then dominated the third set, closing the match with a 7-1 finishing run led by two-time MVP Belen, Solomon, and Alinsug.

National University battled past Ateneo de Manila University in a tough match, securing a 23-25, 26-24, 27-25, 29-27 win to stay undefeated in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday, February 19, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

The Bulldogs overcame a four-point deficit in the third set, gaining control and carrying that momentum into the fourth to eventually defeat the determined Blue Eagles.

With the win, NU improved to 2-0 this season, while Ateneo, under new head coach Vince Mangulabnan, fell to a 1-1 record.

Leo Ordiales led the Bulldogs with 14 points, including 13 attacks, while Peng Taguibolos had a standout performance with 13 markers, featuring seven attacks and a game-high six blocks.

Congolese middle blocker Obed Mukaba contributed 10 points, with four blocks, four aces, and two attacks, and last season’s Rookie of the Year Jade Disquitado added seven points in his Season 87 debut.

Greg Ancheta facilitated NU’s offense with 18 excellent sets, while Jimwell Gapultos protected the floor with 18 excellent receptions and four digs.

The five-peat seeking Bulldogs will next face Far Eastern University on Sunday, February 23, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.