Romwel Anzures

National University’s Vange Alinsug (#6) against De La Salle University in UAAP Season 88. UAAP Media.

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ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1776667185173UAAP 88 WVB DLSU vs. NU- Vange Alinsug-8360.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">National University’s Vange Alinsug (#6) against De La Salle University in UAAP Season 88.<em> UAAP Media.</em></span></span></span>MANILA — National University might have lost its chance for a twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball postseason, but the defending champions remain unfazed by the challenges ahead.</div><p>The Lady Bulldogs were two points away from tainting De La Salle University’s 13-0 record, holding a 23-21 lead in the fourth set of their five-set classic on Sunday, but the Lady Spikers rediscovered their form.</p><p>Usual suspects Angel Canino, Shevana Laput, and Amie Provido, together with Shane Reterta, powered La Salle to force a decider, and the breaks of the game eventually went their way as the Lady Spikers escaped in the fifth, 15-13.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/volleyball/2026/4/19/sweep-complete-la-salle-is-finals-bound-after-dramatic-win-vs-national-u-1957">READ: La Salle is Finals-bound after dramatic win vs. National U</a></div><p>But while this could have resulted in National U losing focus on its goals, team captain Vange Alinsug emphasized that their confidence is not, in any way, shaken by the loss.</p><p>“Masakit. Kailangan naming dibdibin ‘to, pero hindi naman bababa yung morale namin,” said Alinsug, who finished with 22 points, 12 receptions, and nine digs as the Lady Bulldogs absorbed their fourth loss in 13 matches.</p><p>The star senior insisted that while it could have further boosted their three-peat bid, pushing La Salle to the distance in such a manner still shows that they remain among the league’s top teams.</p><p>“Hindi naman ito yung nagde-define sa amin,” she said. “Kinapos lang talaga yung laban.” </p><p>NU indeed displayed championship poise despite the loss.</p><p>Aside from Alinsug, Shaira Jardio made a case for herself as one of the UAAP’s top liberos, posting 35 digs on top of 16 receptions with 60% efficiency. Camilla Lamina was just as admirable, as the two-time Best Setter delivered all but two of their 34 excellent sets.</p><p>This is something NU can build on, said Alinsug, which is why they are not dwelling on the “what ifs” stemming from the contentious call that decided the match.</p><p>“Fault talaga namin yun,” she said. “Yung call naman talaga is tama. Four touches naman talaga, pero yun nga, nag net touch si Arah [Panique], so point din talaga nila.”</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/volleyball/2026/4/19/commissioner-sees-no-controversy-in-late-call-that-sealed-la-salle-s-win-vs-nu-2236">READ: Commissioner sees no controversy in late call that sealed La Salle&#x27;s win vs. NU</a></div><p>The blue-and-gold squad could still salvage the second seed and secure extra recovery time for the stepladder semifinals if they defeat University of Santo Tomas on Wednesday.</p><p>And this is exactly what Alinsug and the rest of the Lady Bulldogs are focused on, saying that what matters most is how they respond after this setback.</p><p>“Heads up lang talaga. Hindi pa tapos yung UAAP,” said the graduating star. “Doon makikita kung gusto talaga naming ilaban, so ilalaban pa rin talaga namin, especially kaming seniors. Need lang naming maging disiplinado pa.”</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:<br/></strong></div><script data-wid="auto" type="text/javascript" src="https://content.viralize.tv/display/?zid=AAFz8gWM8iRADsJr&amp;cid=AB3GYOaby16kLoer"></script>

<p>National University might have lost its chance for a twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball postseason, but the defending champions remain unfazed by the challenges ahead.</p>

National University might have lost its chance for a twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball postseason, but the defending champions remain unfazed by the challenges ahead.

UAAP: Heartbreaking loss to La Salle will not shake NU’s morale, says Alinsug

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UAAP: Heartbreaking loss to La Salle will not shake NU’s morale, says Alinsug

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 20, 2026 03:42 PM PHT

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Volleyball

UAAP

ABSSports

UAAP Season 88

UAAP Volleyball

UAAP Final Four

UAAP stepladder semis

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NU Lady Bulldogs

Shaira Jardio

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