UAAP: NU scores bounce back win, turns back UP in women’s volleyball

NU Lady Bulldogs celebrate in win over UP Fighting Maroons. –UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–National University shrugged off a previous heartbreaker by defeating University of the Philippines, 18-25, 25-17, 25-11, 25-11, on Wednesday night at the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament.

Sheena Toring rose to the occasion with 14 points and six aces while rookie Evangeline Alinsug likewise got it going with 10 attacks built around 13 points for the Lady Bulldogs, who recovered from a recent UST defeat that broke a long string of victories for the defending champions.

Alyssa Solomon had 13 points, Princess Robles added 11 markers and Camilla Lamina tossed 21 excellent sets in a bounce back win that put NU in a tie with the Adamson Lady Falcons at 3-1.

“We really needed this win after that loss. To be honest, our confidence got affected, I just hope we will continue doing this,’’ said NU coach Karl Dimaculangan.

Things were looking up for the Lady Maroons early on as they managed to collar the opening set, giving NU another scary moment.

The Lady Bulldogs quickly made a recovery over the next two frames anchored on the exploits of Alinsug and Toring along with Erin Pangilinan that pushed UP toward the edge.

There were shades of a UP comeback after the Lady Maroons moved ahead, 6-5, but NU immediately regrouped with Toring and Pangilinan again leading them on the offensive end.

The Lady Bulldogs broke the last deadlock at nine and scored 11 points without any resistance from their foes on the way to securing the win.

Solomon and Pangilinan rattled off the decisive points before Alinsug sealed their fate with an ace.

Stephanie Bustrillo, whose crosscourt attack secured the first set, finished with 13 points and Alyssa Bertolano scored nine with 12 receptions, eight digs and two aces for the Lady Maroons, who fell to their third defeat after four games.