The National University Lady Bulldogs knew they have targets on their backs even at the start of the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.

So when they lost their last two matches against lower-ranked squads despite already securing a playoff spot, veteran spiker Bella Belen couldn’t help but feel wary of the situation.

“Siguro medyo alarming siya for us, kasi nong nangyari sa UP (University of the Philippines), nagkaroon kami ng meeting kagabi. Sabi ko na yung teams na makakalaban namin ngayon, nothing to lose na sila,” said Belen after NU bowed to Adamson, 25-23, 15-25, 28-26, 25-22,  last Sunday, April 6, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“So sila, gusto lang nila ibigay yung best. Gusto nilang maka-upset ng mga nasa taas. So kami, dapat ready kami sa ganun,” she added.

Belen has reasons to be alarmed. After sweeping their first-round assignments, the Lady Bulldogs suddenly lost their steam and bowed to the UP Maroons at the start of the second round.

They failed to regain their bearings and yielded anew to Adamson.

Feeling the absence of Alyssa Solomon due to injury, Belen and Vange Alinsug were the only ones stepping up with 19 and 16 points, respectively. But their efforts were put into waste as the Lady Falcons banked on rookie Shaira Nitura, who exploded for 32 points.

The win improved Adamson to 4-7, further breathing life to its semifinal hopes.

Belen said they must bounce back quickly as the playoffs inch closer.

“Adjust ulit, kung ano yung [mga] pagkukulang na nangyari ngayon sa game, kailangan naming masolusyonan agad,” the 22-year-old outside hitter said. 

“Kasi tulad ngayon may game kami ng Wednesday (UE), then Sunday (Ateneo), tas after last na ‘yong UST (April 27), so sunod-sunod na siya,” she added.

Belen admitted the atmosphere inside the dugout was somber after that Adamson loss, knowing that they were capable of winning that match but failed to deliver.

NU tries to regain its winning form when it faces the already eliminated University of the East on Wednesday, April 9, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Belen hopes to end their woes there.

“Yung UE palaban din sila. Kahit sabihin nating winless sila, marami silang pinahirapang teams, so dapat kami, gustuhin namin yun game sa Wednesday para manalo,” she said.