Vange Alinsug is prepared to empty the clip in the UAAP Season 87 Finals against La Salle as the NU Lady Bulldogs target one more title with Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon.
There’s a different kind of nostalgia and hurt in the UAAP when you know that some of your teammates won't be around next time as they’ve exhausted their eligibility, or are already looking to move on with their respective careers.
But for NU’s Vange Alinsug, there isn’t time to dwell on next year when seniors Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon are no longer with the NU Lady Bulldogs.
Rather, she’s looking at it as a means to motivate herself even more, as Alinsug positions herself behind the scoring prowess of the MVP duo to hopefully give them a fitting sendoff from the UAAP.
Two wins away from a third crown for Belen and Solomon, Alinsug is ready to leave it out all on the court as NU battles La Salle in the UAAP Season 87 Finals.
“Since alam natin na last UAAP [season] na nila, ilalaban ko na talaga ito,” said Alinsug, who was pivotal in NU’s big win over FEU in the Final Four to send themselves to a fourth-straight Finals.
The heart and soul of NU’s recent success, Belen and Solomon have also been the focal point of the Lady Bulldogs’ offense this season. But with a bigger role looming for Alinsug now and in the future, she’s eager to absorb everything she can from her super seniors.
“Marami akong nakukuha sa kanila. Kung gaano sila katapang sa loob ng court, kasi alam naman natin na sa kanila rin talaga nanggagaling yung power and strength namin,” said Alinsug.
Whatever happens for the Lady Bulldogs, it’s going to be all about doing whatever it takes for Belen and Solomon.
[RELATED: UAAP: NU leans on vets Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon in cardiac win vs FEU to reach Finals]
“Para sa inyo po ito,” Alinsug said, offering the season finale to her seniors.
NU is currently targeting their third title in just the last four seasons, having been to the championship round every year since UAAP Season 84, the year Belen and Solomon joined the ranks. After falling short of the crown against La Salle in Season 85, they’re eager to break the tie against the Lady Spikers.
But first, the Lady Bulldogs had to solve the puzzle of their worthy rivals FEU in the Final Four.
For Alinsug, it was a testament that they weren’t about to falter so easily, even as they were forced to win via reverse sweep. Now with the title on the line, she said they’re eager to bring the same energy to the Finals.
“Yung mindset namin ngayon, hindi namin dapat hahayaan na maulit yung nangyari last season na nagamit nga namin yung twice-to-beat. Ayun, naipakita naman namin [kung ano yung kaya] namin today and lumaban kami,” she said.
In the big win over the Lady Tamaraws, Alinsug finished with 18 points, eight excellent digs, and 14 excellent receptions.