The UST Golden Tigresses came out short against the NU Lady Bulldogs, 17-25, 25-15, 20-25, 20-25, settling for silver in the Shakey’s Super League Pre-Season Championship on Saturday, Nov.11, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

With the win, the Lady Bulldogs picked up their second straight Shakey’s Super League title. The team only lost two sets in the tournament, both against UST in the Finals.

NU came out strong, dominating the Tigresses in the attack department as they capitalized on a hapless floor defense to string together points early and take the first set, 17-25.

Xyza Gula led the way for the Tigresses with 18 points, including nine in the second set and eight in the third frame. While Angeline Poyos backed her up with 11 markers as the Tigresses fell short in Game 2.

Fielding second-string players, the Tigresses seized back control in the second set through a solid net defense that allowed UST to gain their footing in the matchup.

Tied at 13, the Lady Bulldogs jumped to a slim lead in the midway point of the third canto before zooming to an 8-3 run to snatch the third set and move closer to the title.

An 8-2 counter run then was exacted by the Bulldogs to storm back in the fourth set and seal the championship.

Bella Belen proved to be vital, leading the Lady Bulldogs with 17 points, of which seven came in the fourth set. Meanwhile, Vange Alinsug and Alyssa Solomon chipped in with 15 and 14 points respectively, lifting NU to the title.

The two squads are pitted to be the top teams in the upcoming UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament slated early next year.