National University vows to reclaim the University Athletic Association of the Philippines women's volleyball throne it lost to De La Salle University in Season 85 last week.

The Lady Bulldogs remain confident of their chances next year despite the departure of skipper Ces Robles, libero Jen Nierva and setter Joyme Cagande, who have exhausted their playing eligibility.

"I know those who will be back are already thinking about what they should do next season so that they won't feel the pain (of losing in the finals) we're feeling right now," Nierva said.

NU recovered from a shaky start early in the season to advance into its second straight championship appearance following a sweep of the tournament last year at the expense of La Salle to end a 65-year title drought.

The Lady Bulldogs, however, fell short against the determined Lady Spikers led by Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player Angel Canino, losing both matches in the best-of-three championship series in five sets.

'It's an opportunity for us to further improve next season.'

Now it's back to the drawing board for NU.

"It's an opportunity for us to further improve next season," Lady Bulldogs coach Karl Dimaculangan said.

NU's arsenal remains deep heading into the next season with the league's first-ever RoY-MVP Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Erin Pangilinan, Vange Alisug, playmaker Lams Lamina and Sheena Toring, who sat out Game 2 due to a knee injury she sustained in the series opener.

New recruits mostly from the school's successful high school volleyball program are also coming in for the Lady Bulldogs.

"We have a lot of room for improvement," Belen said.

"And we know we will bounce back next season."

Composed of battle-tested players who have been together since high school, Nierva knows very well that NU will use the finals loss as a rallying point for redemption.

"We have built that champion attitude. Although we fell short this season, I know deep inside my heart, we are still champions," Nierva, who is heading into the professional ranks, said.

"I know they will become champions once again. I've been through a lot with them since high school and I know how our team is whenever we lose. We won't allow anyone to step on us."