MANILA – National University Lady Bulldogs recovered from a set down to beat Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, 25-21, 23-25, 20-25, 25-19, 15-10, to clinch the 2024 Shakey’s Super League crown on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
Negrense Arah Panique stepped up offensively with 27 points, built on 17 attacks, six service aces, and four blocks, as the Lady Bulldogs finished off the Lady Tamaraws in the best-of-three title series, 2-0.
According to Panique, being part of Alas Pilipinas national women’s volleyball team under head coach Jorge Edson Souza de Brito has helped her develop her game and confidence on the court.
“Siguro po palagi ko lang iniisip na kailangan ko lang i-apply ‘yung mga natutunan ko sa national team, and palagi lang din ako sinasabihan ng mga ates ko sa team na ipakita ‘yung killer instinct kaya nabo-boost ‘yung confidence ko,” Panique said.
“Puso lang po every game and communication inside the court, and tiwala lang po sa sarili, ‘yun lang po ang ipinakita namin in this game kahit na down kami after three sets,” she added.
Lady Bulldogs head coach Norman Miguel, for his part, said he was delighted that they were still able to win the championship despite a short preparation time and injuries to some veteran players.
“Sobrang masaya sa pakiramdam na umabot kami sa finals, and then nag-champion kami. Actually, ‘yung preparation namin medyo shaky pa kasi galing kami sa Korea (for our championship celebration) and, after five days, laban na agad,” Miguel said.
“May mga players kami na kailangan naming i-manage ‘yung injuries, may mga players kami na nasa national team. Kaya kailangan din i-mix and match ‘yung lineup na, while giving exposure sa ibang players, kailangan manalo pa din,” he added.
Negrense Shaira Jardio and Guimarasnon Camille Lamina of the Lady Bulldogs were hailed as Best Libero and Best Setter, respectively, while Mhicaela Belen bagged the tournament MVP and 1st Best Outside Hitter awards.
Meanwhile, the College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers claimed the bronze medal after a 23-25, 25-14, 19-25, 25-20, and 17-15 victory over the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights in Game 2 of their battle-for-third place series./PN
