Finals MVP Vange Alinsug is ready to embrace a bigger role for NU as the Lady Bulldogs enter a new era, following the graduation of their veteran core.
As the confetti fell inside the Mall of Asia Arena and National University celebrated another UAAP championship, Vange Alinsug stood tall—both literally and figuratively—as the Lady Bulldogs’ next big star.
Fresh off her co-Finals MVP performance in NU’s sweep of the DLSU Lady Spikers in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball finals, the 5-foot-7 outside hitter knows her time has come, especially after scoring the final point in Game 2.
“I think yes po,” Alinsug said when asked if she’s ready to take the reins. “Knowing na aalis na talaga sila, sana sa mga maiiwan is madala namin ito sa susunod na season.”
The departures of superstars Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Erin Pangilinan, and Sheena Toring, who all wrapped up their UAAP careers, will undoubtedly leave a void.
[ALSO READ: What makes third UAAP title special for NU’s Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon?]
But for Alinsug, that only means there’s more room for growth.
“For me, mahirap din ‘yung responsibility namin ngayon since mawawalan ‘yung mga malalakas kong teammates,” she admitted. “Siguro kahit sobrang hirap nilang palitan, madami pang buwan para pag-trabahuan namin ‘yun na kami-kami lang.”
Alinsug exploded for 21 points in Game 1 of the Finals, then chipped in 10 more in the championship-clinching Game 2 to earn her Finals MVP recognition alongside libero Shaira Jardio.
[ALSO READ: ‘Lahat sila MVP’: NU’s Shaira Jardio, Vange Alinsug crowned first-ever UAAP co-Finals MVPs]
While she acknowledges the big shoes left to fill, Alinsug believes the Lady Bulldogs still have what it takes to stay on top.
Alinsug will be joined by Jardio, senior setter Lams Lamina, and a promising core of Arah Panique, Chams Maaya, Alexa Mata, Celine Marsh, and Kaye Bombita to usher in a new chapter for the NU dynasty.
“Gagawin namin silang inspirasyon,” said Alinsug. “Trabaho lang nang trabaho kasi wala namang goals na hindi mo pinagtatrabahuan na makakuha mo lang ng madalian."
“I-mindset lang namin lahat ng mga teammates ko na maiiwan is lalaban pa din kami kahit madaming nawala samin," she added.