Lady Bulldogs, Falcons seek back-to-back wins

NATIONAL University (NU) and Adamson University hope to get a winning run going at the expense of each other in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today.

Scoring their respective breakthrough wins last weekend, the Lady Bulldogs and the Lady Falcons collide at 2 p.m. in the curtain-raiser of a double-header.

Winless teams Ateneo Blue Eagles and UP Fighting Maroons then tussle in the main event at 4 p.m.

After yielding to UST in its season opener, NU recovered with a 25-17, 24-26, 26-28, 2519, 15-7 win over Ateneo last Saturday.

Lady Bulldogs head coach Norman Miguel stressed the need for his team to improve on blocking, especially against a Lady Falcons side that has a good passing.

“We really need to work double time in blocking, especially we’re going to face Adamson. Adamson has a good pass, they really have good passing skills so they’re able to set plays quickly. We need to adjust quickly as well,” he said.

At the forefront of the Bulldogs attack against the Blue Eagles was Bella Belen, who racked up 21 points, 24 excellent digs and 10 receptions.

She is expected to lead the charge anew for NU against the Lady Falcons, who are coming off a 25-22, 25-22, 28-26 sweep of the Fighting Maroons last Saturday.

Adamson head coach JP Yude, who got his first win in the women’s division, said that his team needs to develop its character and everything else will follow.

“Our character and attitude will be put to test. I told them (my players) that they already have the skills but once their attitude and character go down, it will really test the team. We need to work one game at a time. We need to work hard to make the Final Four.”

Ishie Lalongisip, who fired 12 points, logged 16 excellent digs and tallied seven excellent receptions to lead the Lady Falcons against the Fighting Maroons last timeout, is out to lead her team again against the powerhouse NU team.