BUYBACK TIME

National University left the Mall of Asia Arena last year in tears as De La Salle University took away its crown.

Now lighter and relieved of the pressure of protecting the title, the Lady Bulldogs are coming into the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86 women's volleyball tournament with one thing in mind: Redemption.

"The pressure this season is not the same as last year. Although, of course, the pressure is still there," sophomore winger Vange Alinsug said.

NU starts fresh on Saturday when it begins its mission to reclaim the crown with a showdown against rebuilding University of Santo Tomas on the same venue where it surrendered its throne.

"The difference now is that we know specifically what we want. We know our target. We know what we want to achieve — and that is redemption," Alinsug said.

"We want to bounce back badly."

The Lady Bulldogs have acquired two blue-chipped recruits Kaye Bombita and Arah Panique from Naga College Foundation following the departure of seniors Ces Robles, libero Jen Nierva and backup setter Joyme Cagande.

Norman Miguel is making a comeback as head coach as former tactician Karl Dimaculangan, who steered NU to its first championship in 65 years in 2022, stepped back to assume a deputy role after the team got swept in the Season 85 finals.

The Lady Bulldogs remain a force to reckon with Season 84 Rookie of the Year-Most Valuable Player Bela Belen, ace setter Lams Lamina, Alyssa Solomon, Sheena Toring, Erin Pangnilinan and libero Shaira Jardio back for an unfinished business.

NU also had a fruitful offseason as its core had a series of international exposure last year with the national team during the Southeast Asian V.League.

'We want to bounce back badly.'

"Our stints abroad had a big impact on us as players and as a team," Alinsug said of the competition where the Lady Bulldogs faced powerhouse squads from Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.

"We saw the level of skills of teams from other countries and we learned a lot from that experience," she added.

Locally, the Lady Bulldogs ruled the Shakey's Super League Preseason Championship undefeated for a second straight time last year.

With international exposure along with long and meticulous buildup, NU is expected to bare its teeth.

"We regrouped and prepared well after last season. We addressed our lapses and worked on the things we need to improve on as a team. We're making sure this season that we'll reach our goal," Alinsug said.

The Lady Bulldogs will have a chance for payback against the Lady Spikers on 10 March at the MOA Arena.