MANILA, Philippines – The UAAP women’s volleyball championship is back in Sampaloc.
The National University Lady Bulldogs asserted their mastery and clinched the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament title with a Game 2 close-out win over the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses, 25-23, 23-25, 27-25, 25-16, Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
This is the fourth total championship for NU after Seasons 16, 19 and 84.
Finals Most Valuable Player Alyssa Solomon led the Lady Bulldogs with 27 points. Season MVP Bella Belen chipped in 19.
After grinding out a tough third-set victory to go up 2-1, the Lady Bulldogs bared their fangs and jumped to an early lead that they did not relinquish.
Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula tried to tow UST back, but timely points by Alyssa Solomon, Vange Alinsug and Bella Belen did no t allow the Tigresses to claw back.
The lead grew to as much as seven points, 21-14, with a Solomon attack.
An Em Banagua quick cut th e lead to six, 15-21, but a double touch by UST took the point back.
After an error by NU gave UST its last point of the season, 16-22, Belen powered in back-to-back points to put the Lady Bulldogs to the championship point.
A Sh eena Toring attack brought back the title to Jhocson street.
Alinsug added 13 points, while Tori ng produced 10. Lams Lamina was steady with 17 excellent sets.
Gula, who stepped up for the Rookie of the Year Angeline Poyos, had 18 points. Perdido poured in 14 markers, while Reg Jurado and Em Banagua had 13 each.
The explosive Poyos, battling an ankle injury, started for the Espana-based squad but scored just one point.
NU recorded 13 blocks compared to UST’s six. They also had five service aces.
NU thus secured a double-victory in volleyball, with its men’s team also bringing home the title by edging the UST Golden Spikers earlier in the day.
BAGUIO CITY — The Philippines-Australia Army to Army exercises dubbed “Kasangga” 01-2024 started Monday at the 5th Infantry “Star” Division (5ID) headquarters, in Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Barangay Upi, Gamu town in Isabela.
“Kasangga” 01-2024, set to conclude on June 21, 2024, seeks to enhance the capabilities of both forces in jungle and urban operations, breaching operations, tactical casualty care, jungle survival training, as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
It also includes the sharing of experiences between the 5ID and the Australia Defense Force (ADF) troops in combating terrorist groups.
“Kasangga” 01-2024 was opened by 5th ID Assistant Division Commander, Brig. Gen. Santiago Enginco with Major Michael Cracknell of the Joint Australian Training Team- Philippines (JATT-P) Coordinator of the Australian Embassy Manila and Major Lindsay Pritchard, 1st Battalion Commanding Officer represented the Australian Army contingent.
Enginco believes that “Kasangga” will strengthen the ties not only between the Philippines and Australia but also between the Philippine Army and the Australian Defense Force.
He thanked the Philippine Army leadership and the Department of National Defense for the opportunity as he emphasized the significant benefits of the training.
“Not only in strengthening relations with the Australians but also in gaining knowledge and experience from them,” Enginco said.
“This training also allows the Startroopers to work alongside their foreign army counterparts in enhancing capabilities to ensure security against future threats,” he added.
The Australian Defense Force contingent consists of 50 personnel from the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, Australian Army while the Philippine Army contingent comprises 100 from the 86th Infantry Battalion of the 5th Infantry Division.