It pays to have a team skipper as tough and determined as Vange Alinsug. She’s not only smart but is charming as well.

Embodying the spirit of a true warrior, Alinsug stepped up big time and led reigning champion National University to a 19-25, 23-25, 25-18, 25-18, 15-13 come-from behind win over University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday, April 22.

Knowing full well the importance of the game, Alinsug, 23, took matters into her own hands, especially when things looked bad after losing the first two sets.

Toughened and wiser by the team’s past two championships – not to mention having a charismatic leader in Bella Belen as a source of inspiration – Alinsug became the glue that held the team together.

She did not only deliver points, she challenged and inspired teammates like super rookie Sam Cantada and rising star Arah Panique to be the best version of themselves.

And that was push the Lady Bulldogs needed as they regrouped and played with lots of fire and passion to turn the game around.

“Siyempre for me, sobrang halaga din, kasi sakin din kasi ‘yon magsisimula eh. Kailangan ko lang talaga maging composed sa sarili,” said Alinsug, who unloaded 13 points – all attacks – on top of 10 excellent digs and six excellent receptions.

“Kasi alam ko ‘yong mga teammates kapag ganun ka-crucial, sumusunod talaga sila sa akin. Nakita rin naman kung ano ‘yong naging result and sana magtuloy-tuloy lang,” she added.

Not only did the three-peat-seeking Lady Bulldogs (10-4) regain their winning, it also secured them a spot in the second round of the stepladder.

That earned them the luxury of having more time to prepare and soothe their nerves after their heartbreaking defeat to the Lady Spikers – no thanks to a net violation in the critical period of the match.

For sure, the Lady Bulldogs would become “willing spectators” when UST collides with Far Eastern University where the winner of the playoff earns the right to face No. 3 Adamson.

Alinsug also credited the team’s time-tested discipline and the hunger factor for the win.

“So, kami balik lang kami sa disiplina, and kung gaano namin kagusto, magsisimula din ‘yon sa ensayo," added Alinsug, who eyes her fourth straight finals appearance and third overall crown.

But for head coach Regine Diego, it was a sigh of relief as her team avoided a rough stretch going into the Finals.

Either way, the former La Salle standout chose not to be too hard on her wards, acknowledging her wards are having difficulty juggling their athletic and academic responsibilities.

“Actually, we knew it is going to be difficult for us if we lose this game, kaya talagang there’s something at stake. But, you know, I can’t still be that hard dito sa mga batang ‘to, kasi I know they’re tired,” said Diego.

“They also have to study, kasi midterms din nila. I can’t be too hard on them, but then, we just need to remind them na kailangan everyday na kailangan naming lumaban and wala kaming other options,” she added.