UAAP volleyball: Vange Alinsug says consistency key to NU surge

NU Lady Bulldogs’ Vange Alinsug during a game against La Salle Lady Spikers in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Vange Alinsug was thrilled to finally end National University’s five-game losing streak to La Salle after rising to the occasion in their second-round duel in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.

After dropping all their four games including the Finals in her rookie season last year against the Lady Spikers, Alinsug poured in 22 points to anchor NU’s 22-25, 25-23, 25-16, 25-22 win over La Salle sans Angel Canino on Sunday in front of 11,000 fans at Mall of Asia Arena.

“I’m happy since this is what we wanted. Since last night, we’ve taken it into heart [that we wanted to win],” said Alinsug in Filipino after tallying 20 kills, one ace, and a block on top of 10 digs. “And it’s evident that we really wanted to win. This game is for all of us.”

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball second round

The sophomore spiker shed tears after receiving the Player of the Game honors and getting her first win against La Salle in her UAAP women’s career.

NU remained unbeaten in five games in the second round with a 10-2 record, rising to the top over University of Santo Tomas (10-2) and La Salle (9-2), which saw its seven-game winning streak snapped by the Lady Bulldogs.

Alinsug believes consistency has been the key to their winning run since losing to La Salle in the first round.

“It’s because of our consistency every game. But the job is not done. We will still go through a lot of challenges,” she said.

Like Alinsug, Sheena Toring, who wasn’t able to finish the season last year due to a knee injury in Finals Game 1, was also emotional after winning their first game against La Salle since the Season 84 Finals Game 2 two years ago when they ended a 65-year title drought through a perfect run.

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Toring, who came off the bench, contributed five points to help the trio of Alinsug, Bella Belen, and Alyssa Solomon.

“I’m very emotional since I’ve been feeling the pressure in the past few games. I just told myself that even though I’m no longer part of the first six, I’ll be ready to back up my teammates. I’m happy because I delivered what I expected from myself,” said Toring in Filipino.

“We have to stay focused on the present. We have to work hard for our remaining games to reach the championship with polished skills,” she added.

NU tries to seal one of the two twice-to-beat advantages, facing Adamson on Saturday next week at Philsports Arena and No.4 Far Eastern University on April 24 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.