UAAP: Vange Alinsug’s emergence helps NU get back at UST

NU Lady Bulldogs’ Vange Alinsug.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Vange Alinsug’s growth as a more composed and disciplined player has fueled National University’s vengeful win over the University of Santo Tomas in their second-round clash in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.

Alinsug joined hands with Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon to form a potent trio and hand UST its first loss, 23-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20, on Sunday evening in front of 10,000 fans at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With bigger responsibilities this year, the sophomore outside spiker said she has become more mature for her team, following her rookie year in Season 85 where NU lost the championship to La Salle.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball second round

Vange Alinsug.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“Sa akin naman po ‘yung pagiging matured sa loob ng court kasi alam ko sa sarili ko na last season medyo hindi ko pa maintindihan,” said Alinsug, who had 18 points to torch the Tigresses. “Ngayon isa na rin ako sa pinagkakatiwalaan sa team so sa akin ginagawa ko lahat every game para sa kanila.”

Alinsug admitted that they were caught off guard by UST in their first-round loss. That’s why they were determined to bounce back and end the Tigresses’ eight-game unbeaten run.

NU talks about trust. #UAAPSeason86 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/sLc46O0xPO

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 24, 2024

“Simula kasi or before kasi nag-start ‘yung season, gustong-gusto talaga namin manalo pero hindi namin inexpect na ganun ‘yung performance namin nung first round sa UST. So ngayon, nagbunga naman ‘yung pinaghihirapan namin kahit minsan sa training may nalulungkot, hindi naiintindihan, sobrang saya ko po ngayon,” she said.

Like Belen, Alinsug is also leaning on the Lady Bulldogs’ trust in each other as they rose to a 7-2 record in solo third place.

READ: UAAP: Bella Belen, NU show desire to win in beating UST

“Sobrang laki ng tiwala namin sa isa’t isa kasi merong time sa court na kapag nawawalan ng pasa ‘yung isa, at sasabihan mo ‘yung isa na tulungan mo muna ako, tas andun talaga sila tas babawi ka naman sa palo or sa serve,” Alinsug said. “Sobrang maganda ‘yung connection namin sa isa’t isa kapag meron kaming teammates na nawawala. Sobrang mahal namin ‘yung isa’t isa.”

Although the Lady Bulldogs were able to force a traditional Final Four format, Alinsug vows to continue striving to live up to NU’s high standard.

“Sa akin naman po, every game kasi nagse-set kami ng standard talaga and pinaghahandaan namin lahat ng teams kasi alam naman namin na sila din, gustong-gustong talaga nilang manalo and mahaba ‘yung season so hindi lang kami titigil hanggang hindi matapos ‘yung laro and ‘yung season,” she said.