Nierva raring to defend crown

Graduating libero Jen Nierva is clinging to a vow made by her National University teammates of giving her a fitting exit in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 women's volleyball tournament.

The vocal and heady defense specialist also made a promise to her crew that this year will be a memorable one as she takes her last dance in a Lady Bulldogs uniform.

The reigning Best Libero along with other outgoing veterans Ces Robles and Joyme Cagande will lead NU in its title-retention bid in the much-anticipated second semester sport which will unwrap today at the Mall of Asia Arena.

NU begins its repeat bid against Ateneo de Manila University at 2 p.m.

Nierva revealed that she and Season 84 Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player Bella Belen recently had a conversation about their coming campaign.

Without revealing specific details of their talk, the 23-year-old libero said that her teammates are dedicating this season to their outgoing seniors.

"Yes, of course, I actually talked to Bella through text. I don't know, we didn't really plan to talk but last season we also had a heart-to-heart simple conversation. Recently, we also had one," she said.

"I told her that I'm really grateful to have a teammate like her and my other teammates. I promised her that I'll do my very best to also defend the crown."

Nierva, who serves as the team's glue guy inside the court, was a vital cog in the Lady Bulldogs' flawless 16-0 sweep last season in the return of the league after a two-year pandemic hiatus.