NU’s Alyssa Solomon and Ivy Lacsina. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Rookies Alyssa Solomon and Bella Belen had rousing seniors debuts as National University took down Adamson, 25-15, 25-23, 25-18, in the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball on Thursday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Lady Bulldogs, who paraded the core of their high school champion team Nazareth School led by Belen and Solomon, were good as advertised after dominating the Lady Falcons in one hour and 25 minutes.
Solomon delivered 15 points built on 11 attacks, three blocks and an ace, while Belen introduced herself in the seniors level with 14 points on 13-of-22 attacking clip.
“As a rookie I’m really excited to team up with my Ates (big sisters). Finally we’re playing together again,” said Belen, a former UAAP Girls’ MVP who played for the women’s national volleyball team in the Asian Club Championship in Thailand last year.
Princess Robles, who missed Season 82 three years ago, made an impressive comeback with 12 points on top of eight digs and five excellent receptions.
Camilla Lamina dished out 15 excellent sets as Ivy Lacsina chipped in eight points, while libero Jennifer Nierva protected the floor with 14 digs and nine excellent receptions.
“We’re happy to get this win. But we still have a lot of things to address and improve. It’s still a long season with a compressed schedule so we have to adjust,” said NU coach Karl Dimaculangan after his successful debut with his new team.
No one from the Lady Falcons scored in double figures with middle blocker Lorene Toring leading the way with eight points as they only had a total of 28 attacks, outplayed by the Lady Bulldogs’ 42 kills.