The NU Lady Bulldogs celebrate in their UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Finals Game 1 clash vs. the De La Salle Lady Spikers. Photo from Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News.

MANILA (UPDATED) — National University is now a step closer to realizing its dream of completing a championship repeat in UAAP women's volleyball.

The Lady Bulldogs only need one win to claim the Season 87 crown after they overwhelmed De La Salle University, 25-17, 25-21, 13-25, 25-17, during their Game 1 faceoff on Mother's Day at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

National U recovered from a third-frame setback, and heading their charge were Vange Alinsug who had 21 points, four receptions, and three digs, and Bella Belen who finished with 19 markers, 15 digs, and 10 receptions.

"Up kami ng two sets and then nakuha ng La Salle yung third," said Belen, the Season 87 MVP frontrunner. 

"So sinabi ko lang na kailangan namin pagtrabahuhan every point kasi hindi ibibigay sa amin basta-basta yung game, kailangan namin paghirapan," she added.

This was indeed what they did as when they were only ahead by three, 18-15, in the fourth, Alinsug and Solomon went on to step up for NU.

The pair starred in their 7-to-2 spurt, one that was ended by two kills from Alinsug, and this was enough to stave off their Taft-based counterparts and give themselves a virtual twice-to-beat advantage in the series. 

Solomon finished with nine points and nine digs to contribute to the victory, while Lams Lamina tossed 22 of NU's 25 excellent sets. 

A win by the Lady Bulldogs on Wednesday, May 14, at the Mall of Asia Arena, will allow it to clinch its third championship in four years.

On the other hand, Angel Canino paced the Lady Spikers with 22 markers, 13 receptions, and four digs, while following her was Shevana Laput's 16 points and eight digs.

First serve on Wednesday is at 5:00 p.m. following the Season 87 women's awarding ceremonies wherein Belen is expected to receive her third UAAP MVP plum.

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