UAAP: NU’s Robles, Nierva and other key cogs to return for final year

MANILA, Philippines — Finals MVP Princess Robles, Best Libero Jennifer Nierva, Ivy Lacsina, and Joyme Cagande have committed to play their last playing year in National University’s bid for a second straight championship in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament, according to the school.

NU on Monday announced that the four Lady Bulldogs’ seniors are coming back for their final season next year.

“The NU Athletics Office has just confirmed that the NUWVT graduating senior players; Princess Robles, Jennifer Nierva, Ivy Lacsina, and Joyme Cagande will be playing their last and final season in UAAP Season 85,” National U Philippines Sports posted.

Robles, who averaged nine points in their championship series against La Salle to win the Finals MVP, made an impressive comeback in Season 84, leading the rookie-laden Lady Bulldogs to a perfect 16-game sweep for the school’s first women’s volleyball title since 1957.

Nierva protected NU, while Lacsina formed a formidable frontline with the season’s 2nd best middle blocker Sheena Toring and also provided the leadership.

Cagande was a solid backup playmaker for rookie-best setter Lams Lamina making NU the best attacking team of the season with 39.41 percent spiking rate.

The quartet from UAAP girls’ champion team Nazareth School, who started playing for the Lady Bulldogs in 2019, expressed their uncertainty in returning for 2023 after winning the championship last June 21.

Inquirer Sports sought NU head coach Karl Dimaculangan and Nierva for confirmation but both have yet to respond as of posting time.

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