NU’s Bella Belen instrumental in the Lady Bulldogs’ latest win. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Bella Belen fired eight service aces as National University clinched the No.1 seed with a dominant 25-15, 25-10, 25-15 victory over University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The rookie out of Nazareth School tied the UAAP record of former Ateneo star Dzi Gervacio, who set the league-best eight aces in their 25-14, 25-8, 25-16 win over UP in Season 75 on Feb. 2, 2013.
Belen already tied the record early in the second set after nailing back-to-back aces for a 9-2 spread as NU finished with a total of 13 aces en route to a lopsided win after an hour and 26 minutes.
“I’m happy because I made up for my mistakes in service last game. In our training (prior to this game), we focused on service receive, which we lacked last game. We’re happy to apply it and lessen our errors in service,” said Belen referring to their four-set victory over Adamson last Thursday.
The former UAAP girl’s MVP showed the way with 16 points including eight attacks, helping NU to accomplish its first No.1 seed finish in the Final Four era with its 12th victory in as many games — two wins away from an outright finals spot.
Sheena Toring chipped in 11 points off eight attacks, two aces and a block. Ivy Lacsina and Alyssa Solomon added eight points each, while skipper Cess Robles added seven markers.
Setter Lams Lamina dished out 17 excellent sets, as libero Jennifer Nierva protected the floor with 18 digs and nine receptions.
No one from UP scored in double figures with Steph Bustrillo leading the way with nine as the Fighting Maroons also gave up 24 errors, falling on the brink of elimination with 5-7 record in the sixth place.