After breakthrough wins, Nierva confident Lady Bulldogs can play better in 2nd round

MANILA, Philippines—National University may be a young team, but Jennifer Nierva doesn’t like at her team as just a bunch of rookies.

NU second-youngest team in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament with six rookies in its lineup, next to University of Santo Tomas which has seven, but those first-year players make up four players of the starting six.

“Once you’re in the game, there are no more rookies or seniors, everyone’s on the same footing,” said Nierva in Filipino after NU lost to Ateneo in four sets, 23-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-17, Saturday at Filoil Flying V Center.

READ: No pushovers: NU Lady Bulldogs prove they’re more than just bunch of rookies

“It all boils down on how you play against your opponents.”

NU ended the first round with a 2-4 record with its wins coming against University of the East and University of the Philippines which Nierva said the Lady Bulldogs should bank on going deeper into the tournament.

Nierva, who was part of NU’s four-peat champions in high school, said they found their winning attitude in their five-set win over the Lady Maroons, 25-17, 14-25, 17-25, 25-23, 17-15.

Against Ateneo, however, that was lost to the wayside.

READ: Young Lady Bulldogs show bite against seasoned Lady Spikers

“We need that winning attitude, we found it when we won against UP and we just have to maintain this and apply the things we learn every game,” said Nierva who had 29 excellent digs and 30 successful receptions.

“I think this second round we’ll play better and work harder on our weaknesses.”

Although NU lost its last game in the first round, Nierva said the team remained optimistic for the second round.

“I saw in my team that we really want to win and if you see your teammates like that it lifts you up,” said Nierva.