Belen nails triple-double as NU outlasts UST in five-set thriller

MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion National University (NU) survived University of Santo Tomas (UST) in a grueling five-set match, 23-25, 25-17, 25-18, 22-25, 15-9, in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Team captain Bella Belen went berserk and made a triple-double performance of 26 points on 24 attacks and two blocks, along with 17 excellent digs, and 13 excellent receptions to lift the Lady Bulldogs.

Alyssa Solomon added 23 markers, while Evangeline Alinsug made 19.

NU finished the elimination round with a 12-2 win-loss card while UST tallied 9-5. 



The Golden Tigresses relied on Regine Jurado's 19-point showing and Angeline Poyos' 15-point output. 



UST will be facing De La Salle University on Wednesday in a playoff for twice-to-beat incentive in Final Four.