The silver medal finish in UAAP Season 88 could have easily marked the end of an era for the NU Lady Bulldogs.
Instead, it became the reason to stay. After falling short in another championship campaign, National University’s veteran stars have decided to delay their professional ambitions and return for one final season, keeping intact the core that has helped define the program’s winning culture in recent years.
Veterans Vange Alinsug, Shaira Jardio, Cham Maaya, Alexa Mata, and Myrtle Escanlar have all committed to return for UAAP Season 89, giving NU one more opportunity to reclaim the crown before the team eventually transitions into a new era.
Among the biggest developments was the official return of Alinsug.
Following the Season 88 finals, uncertainty surrounded the future of the veteran captain after she previously responded with “We’ll see, we’ll see” when asked whether she would stay for another year or begin her professional career.
Alinsug will return to lead the Lady Bulldogs one final time as NU attempts to turn a painful silver-medal finish into motivation for redemption next season.
For reigning Season 88 Best Libero Jardio, meanwhile, the decision to stay was never complicated.
“I stayed po dahil mahal ko ang NU community at gusto ko na mapag-champion namin yung last playing year namin,” she said.
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Despite finally earning individual recognition as the league’s top libero, Jardio revealed that personal awards never became her priority throughout the season.
“Hindi ko po kasi main goal yung award sa season na po to kasi yung main goal ko po talaga is yung championship,” the 21-year-old libero added.
The decision of NU’s veterans to return together reflects something deeper than simply extending their collegiate careers. Rather than leave with unanswered questions and unfinished goals, the core group chose to chase one final opportunity side by side.
Their return also stabilizes a program preparing for eventual transition as NU built its success around continuity, system, and culture, and bringing back its experienced leaders allows the Lady Bulldogs to remain among the top championship contenders despite the gradual departure of players from its dominant years.
“Siguro reward ko nalang din sa sarili ko po ’yon at mas lalo ko pa po gagalingan sa last playing year ko po para sa team at makapag-championship po ulit,” Jardio added.
While most of NU’s veteran core chose to stay, setter Lams Lamina officially closed her collegiate chapter after exhausting her eligibility and is now expected to become one of the notable names in the upcoming 2026 PVL Rookie Draft.
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