LIVE: UAAP Season 87 volleyball Finals Game 1 – May 11, 2025

• The battle for the UAAP Season 87 volleyball supremacy begins as the best-of-three finals duels open on May 11, Sunday.
• FEU Tamaraws and NU Bulldogs battle on the men’s side, while NU Lady Bulldogs and La Salle Lady Spikers clash for the women’s championship.
• Bookmark and refresh this page for LIVE UPDATES on the games.

IN PHOTOS: NU Lady Bulldogs vs La Salle Lady Spikers (UAAP women’s Finals Game 1)

UAAP: Degree earned, Bella Belen also has crown within her reach

MANILA, Philippines —Two days before the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball finals, Bella Belen already secured her biggest win as a student-athlete, graduating with a degree in Psychology from National University.

Belen, along with fellow Lady Bulldogs Erin Pangilinan and Sheena Toring, marched at the SMX Convention Center on Friday. She called it the greatest gift she could give herself and her family after years of balancing studies and volleyball.

Two days later, Belen unleashed 19 points, 15 digs, and 10 excellent receptions to lead NU past La Salle, 25-17, 25-21, 13-25, 25-17, in Game 1 on Sunday in front of 15,192 fans at Smart Araneta Coliseum — putting the Lady Bulldogs a win away from a third title in four seasons.

UAAP Finals: Vange Alinsug takes lead in NU’s Game 1 charge vs La Salle

MANILA, Philippines —Vange Alinsug was a revelation in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Finals Game 1, as the tertiary offensive option led National University past La Salle, 25-17, 25-21, 13-25, 25-17, on Sunday in front of 15,192 fans at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Alinsug rose to the occasion with a team-high 21 points — all from attacks — to put NU on the cusp of a back-to-back championship and third title in four seasons.

Playing in her third UAAP Finals, Alinsug knew the importance of taking the series opener.

“We’re really happy we got Game 1. This was super important, and we want to keep the momentum going. Our six straight days of training really paid off, and now we’ve got two days to prepare for Game 2,” said Alinsug in Filipino.

Vange Alinsug talks about her big game in the finals series opener. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/BYLQGFkLhp

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 11, 2025

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UAAP Finals: NU a win away from title repeat, beats La Salle

MANILA, Philippines–National University defeated La Salle in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Finals on Sunday night, moving to the doorstep of a second straight crown.

Vange Alinsug starred with 21 points in the 25-17, 25-21, 13-25, 25-17 Game 1 win at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

“This is the most important—Game 1. Our six days of training (for this moment) showed results,” Alinsug said.

UAAP Finals scores: NU Lady Bulldogs vs La Salle Lady Spikers (Game 1)

La Salle after yielding to NU in Game 1. #UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/kG2Olm1WHL

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 11, 2025

La Salle politely declines media interview.

The Lady Spikers shift their focus in Game 2.#UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/uQTROTEp41

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 11, 2025

NU IS A WIN AWAY FROM A SUCCESSFUL TITLE DEFENSE!

FINAL: NU inches a win closer to capturing the #UAAPSeason87 women’s title after holding off La Salle, 25-17, 25-21, 13-25, 25-17. pic.twitter.com/GhxrGBnV6O

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 11, 2025

• FINAL: NU inches a win closer to capturing the UAAP Season 87 women’s title after holding off La Salle, 25-17, 25-21, 13-25, 25-17.
• Malaluan attack error. NU with a 22-17 breather
• Solomon lifting NU closer to the victory with a cross court hit for a 19-15 lead.
• Mata blocks Canino, 17-12.
• Laput blocks Solomon! La Salle cuts it down to three, 16-19.
• Solomon and Alinsug led NU to a 16-12 heading to the second tech. timeout.
• Belen makes it a 10-6 spread in Set 4.
• Pangilinan extends it to 7-3 for the NU Lady Bulldogs.
• Alinsug leads NU’s 5-3 lead in Set 4.
• END OF SET 3: La Salle 25, NU 13 La Salle dominates the third set to force another one.
• Panique stops the bleeding for NU. They are down, 8-18.
• Make that 8-0 run after another Canino’s point, 16-7.
• 7-0 run by La Salle after Canino’s off speed for a 15-7 lead
• Canino extends La Salle’s lead to 12-7.
• Belen and Alinsug score back-to-back for NU, 2-4.
• 4-0 start by La Salle to start Set 3.
• END OF SET 2: NU 25, La Salle 21. Solomon clinches the set for the Lady Bulldogs for a 2-0 lead.
• Laput blocks Belen. La Salle trims it down to four, 22-18.
• Belen regalo! NU with a 9-2 run for a 21-16 spread.
• Panique off the block! NU still ahead, 17-15.
• Panique blocks Canino. NU takes the lead, 15-14.
• Pono ace! NU ties the set at 14.
• Another cross court from Canino! Three straight points for the captain as La Salle holds a 13-11 lead.
• Canino brings back the lead to La Salle, 11-10.
• Canino blocks Solomon. La Salle, 12-11.
• Belen down the line! NU takes the lead, 10-9.
• Malaluan keeps La Salle on top with an 8-5 lead in the first tech. timeout.
• Mikole Reyes ace! La Salle with a 5-2 start in Set 2.
• END OF SET 1: NU 25, La Salle 17.
• Solomon from the back row! NU pulling away with a 22-14 spread.
• Pangilinan quick! NU, 19-14.
• NU takes a 16-12 spread in the second technical timeout.
• NU builds a 12-9 lead after Belen’s cross court. Coach Ramil de Jesus calls for time.
• Solomon puts NU ahead, 10-9.
• Shevana Laput gives La Salle a 7-5 start in Game 1.

IT’S ON!

La Salle vs NU III

Game 1 of the #UAAPSeason87 Women’s volleyball finals fires off! @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/qiDsEISxTp

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 11, 2025

UAAP Finals first-timer FEU undaunted after Game 1 win over NU

MANILA, Philippines — This batch of the Far Eastern University Tamaraws may be UAAP Finals first-timers, but they have  turned out to be the fiercest challengers to the National University dynasty.

Trailing two sets to one after a 12-point rout in the third set, FEU refused to go down without a fight as willed its way back to steal Game 1 from five-peat-seeking NU, 22-25, 25-22, 13-25, 25-22, 15-13, on Sunday in front of 5,405 fans at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

IN PHOTOS: FEU Tamaraws vs NU Bulldogs (UAAP men’s Finals Game 1)

UAAP: FEU nears men’s volleyball title, deals NU rare finals loss

MANILA, Philippines — Among the 5,405 fans, a group of Far Eastern University supporters brought a green and gold banner with “Braver Today” written on it.

The Tamaraws didn’t disappoint, showing no fear against the five-peat-seeking National University Bulldogs to pull off a come-from-behind 22-25, 25-22, 13-25, 25-22, 15-13 win in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Finals opener on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Despite falling to a 1-2 deficit with a 12-point loss in the third set, FEU never wavered, denying NU from pulling off a comeback in the fourth.

UAAP Finals scores: FEU Tamaraws vs NU Bulldogs (men’s)

NU’s first finals loss since Season 79. #UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/UQKCh0ZnXU

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 11, 2025

BRAVER TODAY, INDEED!

FEU inches closer to the #UAAPSeason87 men’s volleyball championship after completing a come-from-behind 22-25, 25-22, 13-25, 25-22, 15-13 win over the five-peat-seeking NU.#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/iBo97a0lxY

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 11, 2025

• FEU inches closer to the UAAP Season87 men’s volleyball championship after completing a come-from-behind 22-25, 25-22, 13-25, 25-22, 15-13 win over the five-peat-seeking NU.
• Disquitado saves a point for NU, 13-14.
• Buddin service out. FEU now at match point, 14-12.
• Gallego service error. FEU leads, 12-10
• Buddin cuts the deficit down to one for NU, 10-11.
• Saavedra makes it a two-point lead, 9-7.
• Lirick Mendoza gives FEU a 7-6 breather
• Saavedra ties the set anew, 5-5.
• Fifth set opens with a tie at 3.
• ‘We’re going 5! END OF SET 4: FEU 25, NU 22 Ordiales service error.
• Mendoza ace. FEU leads NU, 20-16.
• NU overreach. Challenge successful for FEU to take a 19-16 lead.
• NU cuts down FEU’s lead to three after Diao’s block, 14-17.
• Bituin pushes FEU’s lead, 15-9.
• 8-3 start by FEU in the fourth set.
• END OF SET 3: NU 25, FEU 13. Disquitado sends NU on top again with a 2-1 match lead.
• Net touch Absin. NU at set point, 24-13.
• Block point NU. FEU not over. The Bulldogs seize a 23-13 lead.
• Disquitado extends NU’s lead to 12-5.
• Leo Ordiales doubles the lead for NU, 16-8.
• Leo Aringo leads NU’s 9-4 start in Set 3.
• END OF SET 2: FEU 25, NU 22 Saavedra clinches the set 2 win! FEU levels the match at 1-1.
• Bituin sends FEU at set point, 24-21.
• Buddin stops the bleeding. NU within two, 21-23.
• Another attack error by NU. FEU with a 23-20 lead.
• Saavedra ace! FEU takes the lead, 21-20.
• Bituin ties it at 12-all.
• 10-7 start for NU in Set 2.
  
• END OF SET 1: NU 25, FEU 22. Saavedra attack error. NU escapes, winning the opening set
• Ordiales attack error. FEU down by 22-24. Buds Buddin checks in.
• Doula Ndongala blocks Leo Aringo. FEU within four, 20-24
• Leo Aringo nails one off the block to halt FEU’s run. NU, 21-15.
• NU commits consecutive errors, as FEU cuts the deficit down to five, 15-20.

FEU crowd: Braver today#UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/KHq1MIyGkd

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 11, 2025

• Espartero scores two consecutive kills to stop the bleeding for FEU, 12-19.
• Taguibolos and Ordiales push NU’s lead to 19-10.
• Mukaba ace! NU pulling away with a 17-9 spread.
• Jade Disquitado scores off the block! NU, 15-9.
• Greg Ancheta stretches NU lead to 10-6.
• Espartero down the line! Saavedra block! FEU still trailing, 4-7.
• Espartero scores FEU’s first point. They are trailing, 1-6.

NU crowd celebrates the Bulldogs’ hot start. #UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/3DYx9FJz37

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 11, 2025

• 5-0 start for NU after Leo Ordiales’ back-to-back hits.

NU and FEU in Game 1 of the #UAAPSeason87 men’s volleyball finals.@INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/yMfKguHddd

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 11, 2025

UAAP Season 87 volleyball tournament FINALS SCHEDULE

Game 1 – May 11, 2025  Sunday – Smart Araneta Coliseum

• 1pm – FEU Tamaraws vs NU Bulldogs

 separate tickets

• 5pm – NU Lady Bulldogs vs La Salle Lady Spikers

UAAP Finals: NU brings scoring flair to title dance vs La Salle

National University (NU) and La Salle find themselves where most people expect them to be, jockeying for the most popular crown in varsity volleyball—the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball title.

The Lady Bulldogs, who won their previous championship duel with the Lady Spikers, are intent on turning their dominance into a dynastic rule. But standing in their way is the very opponent that denied them back-to-back reigns two seasons ago, one that is aching to return to a place they once called home.

“Maybe if the players can bring out what I’m expecting from them, we might be able to keep up—and maybe even have a big chance,” said Ramil de Jesus, the mastermind behind La Salle’s 12 championships in 20 finals appearances.

UAAP women’s volleyball Finals preview: NU vs La Salle III

MANILA, Philippines — The last two UAAP champions, National University and La Salle, fight for their respective legacies, taking their rivalry to a trilogy in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball finals.

For the third time in the past four seasons, the Lady Bulldogs and Lady Spikers clash for the UAAP women’s volleyball supremacy.

NU brought its successful high school program, led by stars Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon, to the collegiate ranks when the league reopened in 2022 amid the COVID-19 pandemic era.

UAAP men’s volleyball Finals preview: Talent-rich NU, FEU renew rivalry

MANILA, Philippines — For the first time in six years, National University and Far Eastern University square off once again for the UAAP men’s volleyball supremacy.

But Season 87 tells a different story, with FEU emerging as the top dog following an impressive 13-1 finish in the elimination round.

That lone defeat? It came at the hands of the very team chasing a historic five-peat—NU–in what has been their most turbulent campaign yet.

UAAP Finals: NU remains hungry–a bad sign for La Salle 

For years, National University stood on the fringes of the UAAP women’s volleyball showcase—an outsider looking in.

The Lady Bulldogs often spoke about their future with a tinge of frustration and supposition, their seasons measured by their distance from the summit.

That’s no longer the case. These days, NU’s words are framed by expectation and excellence, thanks to a transformation in Season 84 three years ago that has turned the school from a perennial doormat to a powerhouse.

UAAP: La Salle Lady Spikers looking for ‘something stronger’ to dethrone NU Lady Bulldogs

At the heart of La Salle’s championship chase are Angel Canino and Alleiah Malaluan, standouts who have become steadying forces for the Lady Spikers.

They share a bond strengthened not only by time on the court but also through triumphs and heartbreaks.

Both reflected on that connection ahead of a showdown with National University and a chance to deliver another championship in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament.

“I’m really happy to be playing with Angel,” Malaluan said. “At the same time, we’re drawing from all the years we’ve been together. The connection is already there, but we still need something stronger so we’re really ready when the Finals come.”

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TAGS: UAAP Season 87

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