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National University completed another perfect title run as it staved off University of Santo Tomas’ valiant effort, 25-17, 15-25, 25-20, 25-20, to sweep the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Pre-Season Championship on Saturday night at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
With the Lady Bulldogs pushed to their limits by the gritty Golden Tigresses trailing 13-16 in the fourth, Bella Belen took charge with five straight attacks to give her team a 21-17 lead.
Sheena Toring drilled a crucial drop before Belen nailed another hit to reach match point, 24-19. Angeline Poyos saved a point for UST but she committed a costly service error that allowed NU to clinch the crown.
The Lady Bulldogs leaned on the troika of Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and Vange Alinsug to capture their second straight SSL preseason title, extending their winning streak to 18 games since the league was inaugurated last year.
Belen, the first rookie MVP in UAAP women’s volleyball, led the way with 17 points all coming from attacks.
