MANILA, Philippines — The NU Lady Bulldogs completed a Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-season Championship Grand Slam after sweeping rivals De La Salle Lady Spikers in their best-of-3 Finals series with a 23-25, 25-18, 25-16, 25-20 Game Two win at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Sunday.
Now, Bella Belen and the Lady Bulldogs look to build on their SSL three-peat as they set their sights on defending their UAAP women’s volleyball crown, hoping to win their third title in four years.
“I’m very happy that we achieved our goal here in Shakey’s because we’re using this as a stepping stone and preparation for the upcoming UAAP season,” said Belen, who banged 15 points in Game Two.
“Our motivation is to move forward, to aim higher for our next games especially in the UAAP because it’s the big league for college. We’re looking forward to the UAAP and we know teams are going to improve.”
Belen, who also bagged the 1st Best Open Spiker recognition in the tourney, said the Lady Bulldogs aren’t going to rest on their laurels even after a year of winning the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball title and now completing a three-peat in the SSL.
“We’re not going to be outplayed and outhustled, we’re going to keep on improving.”
The Lady Bulldogs completed their SSL three-peat under new coach Sherwin Meneses who also coaches Creamline in the PVL.
He will make his first UAAP coaching gig for the first time since his stint with Adamson in 2016.
“I’m very happy that we won. This is a huge help for our UAAP preparation. That’s really the purpose why we joined here.”
