Bella Belen and the NU Lady Bulldogs are heading back to the Final Four. –UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines —National U’s key players Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon are confident that their Lady Bulldogs won’t be slowing down despite clinching a Final Four spot in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament.
Belen fired six aces to finish with a game-high 21 points in NU’s 25-5, 25-15, 25-13 demolition of University of the East on Saturday.The Lady Bulldogs rose to a 9-3 record with their fourth win in a row, join twice-to-beat La Salle (11-1) and Adamson (9-4) in the Final Four.
But the reigning MVP refused to rest on their laurels.
“Even though we’re already into the Final Four, we won’t stop because we still have remaining games that are important to us and determine our placing,” Belen said in Filipino. “We will go back to our training and prepare for our next games.”
Belen and Solomon on keeping their momentum. #UAAPSeason85 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/YNzzQU0IF1
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) April 22, 2023
The Lady Bulldogs, who haven’t dropped a set since losing back-to-back games to the Lady Spikers, still have a chance to take the last twice-to-beat incentive as they battle the UST Tigresses on Wednesday and the also-ran Ateneo Blue Eagles on Saturday next week both at FilOil EcoOil Centre.
Alyssa Solomon said their win streak was a result of their hard work and consistency.
“Being part of the Final Four is a result of our hard work. We won’t stop learning and improving our skills,” Solomon said in Filipino. “Everything starts in training. It all boils down to consistency.”
Belen said they will try to keep their momentum going to the last two games before shifting their focus to the Final Four.
“We will try to bring this momentum in our last two games so it will serve as a benchmark. Whatever we performed today, we need to bring it in our next games and even play better,” she said.