MANILA, Philippines — In a league first, the Finals MVP award was shared by the face of National University’s future–Vange Alinsug and Shaira Jardio–after the Lady Bulldogs’ successful title defense in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Finals.

The unprecedented decision by the school to award co-MVPs underscored the Lady Bulldogs’ depth and team-first mindset in defending their crown.

READ: UAAP Finals: NU wins 2nd straight women’s title, sweeps La Salle

“That decision came from our NU coaching staff. They really talked it through. I’m happy with it, because honestly, for me, everyone on the team is an MVP. From Game 1 to now, this win was truly a team effort,” said NU coach Sherwin Meneses in Filipino.

Alinsug and Jardio, once again, played the crucial role for the Lady Bulldogs as completed a sweep against La Salle Lady Spikers with a  25-19, 25-18, 25-19 Game 2 win  in front of 18,514 fans on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

NU Lady Bulldogs’ Shaira Jardio and Bella Belen during the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Finals Game 2. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Jardio anchored the floor defense with 21 digs and 12 excellent receptions, becoming the first libero to win Finals MVP honors since La Salle’s Dawn Macandili in 2018.

She had 28 excellent receptions and 18 digs in the series opener last Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“I had already set my mind to giving everything I could. I wanted to do my best, and most of all, I wanted Ate Belle, Ate Erin, Ate Aly, and Ate Sheena to leave on a winning note,” said Jardio in Filipino.

Alinsug followed up her 21-point Game 1 performance with 10 points and six digs in the clincher, helping NU send off seniors Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Sheena Toring, and Erin Pangilinan as three-time champions.

READ: UAAP: Vange Alinsug, new face of NU program for coming years, shows her worth

“I think yes [this is our time]. Since the seniors are really leaving now,” she said.

“The players staying can carry this momentum into next season. Even though our seniors won’t be in the first six anymore and we’re losing a lot (of players), there will be strong players stepping up. And we’re ready to work hard for that until the next season starts.”

Alinsug said sharing the Finals MVP award with Jardio motivates them to lead as a great example to the NU holdovers next season.

“Whether I got an award or not, we’ll still be the ones leading the team moving forward. There’s still a lot of room for improvement—we’ve got a long way to go. But for now, we’re just going to enjoy this win with the seniors,” Alinsug said.

Jardio added: “It means a lot to me because I also want to lead our team. So this finals, especially now that both Vangie and I were named Finals MVPs—maybe it’s a sign that it’s time for us to step up as leaders, especially since our seniors are leaving.”