Volleyball: Lady Bulldogs show readiness to extend dynasty | ABS-CBN Sports

It is a positive development for a National U squad that lost three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Sheena Toring and Erin Pangilinan to graduation after winning back-to-back UAAP crowns earlier this year. "From the start, I told them na- because marami 'yung nawala, we have to do this together. We have to work as a team now, because significant 'yung mga nawala. We have to fill in those shoes, but to get there, we have to grow together ng sabay-sabay. We have to be a team," said head coach Regine Diego, who won her first crown as NU's mentor after replacing Sherwin Meneses in September. "Kasi last time, individually, malalakas talaga. This time, we can do this as a team, sabi ko, and that will help us defend the title." Overall, NU went 13-0 this season, including its three-game domination of the National Invitationals, where prized rookie Sam Cantada emerged as the Best Player, introducing herself as the team's newest weapon. Cantada teamed up with Alinsug, Kaye Bombita and Maaya on offense in the championship series clincher, finishing with 24 points as NU replicated a come-from-behind Game 1 win that also went the full five sets.