Spirited finish lifts NU past Ateneo for 7th straight win in UAAP volleyball

MANILA, Philippines — It took a spirited National University to fight off Ateneo, 25-17, 25-17, 23-25, 25-19, for a seventh straight win Sunday in the UAAP season 76 women’s volleyball tournament.

The Lady Bulldogs broke off a 17-all tie in the fourth set, shut down the Lady Eagles’ momentum and closed out the game with an 8-2 blast to stay the second-hottest team right now.

The victory also widened NU’s gap over Ateneo in the chase for a twice-to-beat semifinals incentive as the Lady Bulldogs hiked their record to 9-1 while the Lady Eagles sunk to 6-4.

Myla Pablo had 14 hits, including three blocks, and three digs, setter Ivy Perez punched in five service aces for 13 markers, while Mina Aganon also had 13 points for NU.

The Lady Bulldogs had to find a way to bottle up the Lady Eagles’ momentum third set win, but it was only until midway the fourth set that NU wrest back the control.

Down 5-7 in the fourth set, NU then scored six points against Ateneo’s one to take the lead, which it wouldn’t relinquish.

The Lady Eagles, though, pulled even at 17 on back-to-back services winners by Alyssa Valdez but allowed the Lady Bulldogs to pull away for the win.

Valdez pumped in 16 hits, including three service aces, while Amy Ahomiro contributed 15 points, including the last two which won the third set, for Ateneo.

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