UAAP: NU dumps UE behind Alyssa Solomon, Bella Belen

NU Lady Bulldogs. UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines-National University pounced on a hapless rival in University of the East to prevail, 25-23, 25-9, 25-12, on Sunday in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball at the Philsports Arena.

Alyssa Solomon finished with 15 points, including 14 attacks, while Michaela Belen came back stronger with 13 points after riding the bench for most of their winning encounter against the University of the Philippines Lady Fighting Maroons.

“We had a slow start, there were a lot of errors and we didn’t move the way we used to move on the floor. Good thing we were able to execute properly in the next two sets, so the result favored us,” said NU coach Karl Dimaculangan.

The Lady Bulldogs chalked up their fourth win in five matches, their lone defeat inflicted by the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses two games back.

“In this game, we just played as a team. We brought here what we have trained for and just enjoyed it out there,” said Belen, who had 11 attacks and seven receptions.

Camilla Lamina delivered 17 excellent sets and libero Jennifer Nierva, who was likewise used sparingly against UP, contributed seven digs and six receptions.

The Lady Bulldogs flashed their old deadly form in the last two frames after the Lady Red Warrior put them on the ropes in a tight first set.

Solomon and Belen ruthlessly pierced the UE defense in the second set and it didn’t help that the Lady Warriors could get their act together as errors hounded them.

Erin Pangilinan and Evangeline Alinsug pressed on the charge in the final frame as they dropped the air strikes in spurts before Alexa Mata finally pulled the Lady Warriors out of their misery with a blasting smash.

Vanessa Bangayan and KC Cepada scored seven points each for the Lady Warriors, who have yet to enter the win column after five games.

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