NU extends streak to 3
Games today: (Mall of Asia Arena) 10 a.m. — UE vs Adamson (m) 12 p.m. — UST vs FEU (m) 2 p.m. — UE vs Adamson (w) 4 p.m. — UST vs FEU (w)
National University kept its winning ways after dominating the University of the Philippines, 25-17, 25-16, 25-17, in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Vange Alinsug starred for the Lady Bulldogs despite only playing in the first and third sets, firing 15 points on 13-on-21 attacks, a block, and an ace.
Alinsug shot 10 points in the third set where NU was in cruise control, zooming to a 15-6 lead and never looked back.
“For me, what mattered was that all the players were utilized and they all contributed (to this victory),” said Lady Buldogs head coach Norman Miguel.
NU has now won three straight games after losing its season opener to University of Santo Tomas, rising to solo second at 3-1.
Season 84 MVP Bella Belen also came through for the Lady Bulldogs with 10 points she complemented with 16 excellent receptions out of 22 attempts and seven digs. Alyssa Solomon also ended up with 10 points.
“We’re really happy that we are slowly getting back after that loss. I still believe that this team has a lot to show. We just have to be patient,” Belen said as they battle Far Eastern University next.
NU owned the spiking department, doubling the output of UP, which dropped to 0-4, 48-23.
Nobody from the Fighting Maroons breached double digits in scoring with Niña Ytang’s team-high only at seven points.
UP will try to enter the win column on 10 March against the reigning champion De La Salle University.
In men’s play, La Salle regained its composure following a fourth set meltdown on its way to a 23-25, 25-17, 25-18, 21-25, 15-11 win over Ateneo de Manila University for a share of the second spot.
The senior trio Vince Maglinao, JM Ronquillo, and Billie Anima took turns giving the damaging blows for the Green Spikers in the fifth set to get the job done in two hours and three minutes.
Challenges also proved timely for De La Salle as head coach Jose Roque and his staff won two in the decider, turning a 9-8 tight lead into a 15-11 clincher.
La Salle improved to 3-1, tying National University in second place, just behind the still-unbeaten Far Eastern University, which has a 3-0 record.
“I think we are not that tough yet but we are working on this. We are not looking past any team,” Roque said.