Alyssa Solomon and the NU Lady Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–The National University Lady Bulldogs felt their egos got deflated despite clipping the Ateneo Blue Eagles’ wings in a five-setter.
The Lady Bulldogs wasted no time redeeming themselves four days later by devouring the Adamson Lady Falcons, 25-17, 25-20, 25-20, in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.
Alyssa Solomon pummeled the other side of the floor without mercy with 14 attacks out of her game-high 17 points while Bella Belen was just as superb in imposing herself with 15 kills as NU registered a second straight win in three games.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball first round
“We lost our first game against UST and even though we won our second game against Ateneo, it was still a five-setter. We somehow lacked pride in that game,’’ said NU coach Norman Miguel.
The Lady Bulldogs had tons of it on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, giving the Lady Falcons little room to operate by asserting themselves from start to finish.
“We have to show how the NU women’s volleyball team really plays, our normal play but super competitive,’’ said Miguel.
Bella Belen and the NU Lady Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
After the Bulldogs quickly seized the first set, Solomon and May Pangilinan pulled them out of a tight spot with successive hits prior to Belen’s heroics at the end of the second set.
Back-to-back spikes by Belen and her push that arched above two Adamson defenders at set point sent the Lady Falcons deeper into the pits.
Camila Lamina delivered 17 excellent sets, libero Shaira Mae Jardio had 16 receptions and nine digs while Solomon added two blocks and one ace in wearing down the Lady Falcons.
“”It was a slow start for us. I also noticed that I lacked confidence at the start of the match, but eventually I redeemed myself,’’ said Solomon.
The Lady Falcons dropped another match out of three outings with May Ann Nuique, Antonette Adolfo and Lucille Almonte carrying much of the load in fending off the Lady Bulldogs.
Belen was again at the forefront of NU’s assault in the final set, her crosscourt strike that pummeled the enemy’s backend providing the 18-15 separation they needed.
Vangie Alinsug delivered on a combination play, Pangilinan walloped Adamson’s middle and Belen scored another kill at match point.