Vange Alinsug may not be one to bask in the spotlight, but when the lights shone brightest, she rose to the occasion.

Long considered the heir to National University’s women’s volleyball throne, the 22-year-old outside hitter proved her mettle with a career performance that powered the Lady Bulldogs to a crucial Game 1 victory over De La Salle University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women’s volleyball finals on Sunday.

Alinsug unleashed 21 attack points — her personal best — including back-to-back kills that sealed NU’s win in the best-of-three series opener, effectively putting the Lady Bulldogs one win away from their first-ever back-to-back championship.

“My motivation comes from my teammates, my coaches, and the NU community,” Alinsug said in an interview with the DAILY TRIBUNE.

“It feels great to play when you see them all fighting with you. The coaches are there to guide us, and the NU supporters never stop cheering us on, even when we’re down.”

With team stalwarts like Bella Belen set to exit the UAAP this season, Alinsug’s breakout game could not have come at a better time. She not only delivered when it mattered most — she also gave NU fans a glimpse into the program’s bright future.

Alinsug shared that her growth as a player is rooted in the continuity and chemistry she shares with her teammates — many of whom have been with her since high school.

“Even though we’ve had different coaches over the years, my teammates have always been the same,” she said.

“We know each other so well, and the system isn’t hard for us to adjust to because we’ve done it before under other coaches.”

Alinsug has drawn strength from observing the leadership and resilience of her seniors, using their example to fuel her development.

Now, she’s ready to lead the next chapter.

“We just have to learn from today’s game because there’s still a lot we can improve on,” she added.

“We have two more days to work hard. We’ll give it our all on Wednesday — because nothing great ever comes easy.”

Game 2 of the finals takes place at 5 p.m. on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena, where NU hopes to finish the job — with Alinsug now standing confidently at the helm.