The NU Lady Bulldogs celebrate their UAAP Seasn 87 women's volleyball championship, Wednesday at the MOA Arena.

(STAR / Russell Palma)

MANILA, Philippines -- Title defended.

National University climbed back to the pinnacle of UAAP women’s volleyball for the second straight year, sweeping the La Salle Lady Spikers, 25-19, 25-18, 25-19, in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 87 Finals Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

In front of 15,996 fans, the Lady Bulldogs have now won back-to-back championships, including three of the last four seasons.

Season Most Valuable Player Bella Belen led the way for NU with 18 points on 17 attacks and a block in what could be her final UAAP match. Alyssa Solomon chipped in 13, while Vange Alinsug had 10, including huge ones down the stretch. 

After hard-fought wins in the first and second sets, NU was leading by just two, 13-11, in the third set. 

But Alinsug, Solomon and Belen punched in crucial points to keep the Lady Spikers at bay.

A block on Shevana Laput pushed NU’s lead to seven, 23-16. 

But three straight points by La Salle, capped by a service ace by Laput, inched the Taft-based squad closer, 19-23. 

Alinsug, though, powered one in to put the Lady Bulldogs to championship point, 24-19. 

And, it was also Alinusug who punched in the championship-winning crosscourt kill, targeting this season’s best libero Lyka de Leon. 

Alexa Mata and Erin Pangilinan also had productive outings with eight and seven, respectively, for the Lady Bulldogs. 

Angel Canino led La Salle with 12 points to go with 15 receptions and nine digs. Laput backstopped with 10. 

Shaina Jardio and Alinsug were named as co-Finals MVP of the series, while Laput was awarded the defensive player of the finals. 

This is the fifth total championship of NU in the UAAP.

The Lady Spikers, for their part, failed to replicate their title conquest in Season 85, which they did against the Lady Bulldogs.