UAAP volleyball: NU Lady Bulldogs flaunt depth in keeping UP winless

NU Lady Bulldogs against UP Fighting Maroons in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament. –UAAP PHOTOS

MANILA, Philippines–National University managed to test the depth of its lineup and still prevailed, 25-17, 25-16, 25-17, over free-falling University of the Philippines on Saturday at the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball.

Vangie Alinsug scored 15 points highlighted by 13 attacks in just two sets while Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon tallied 10 points each as NU’s fierce offensive trio propelled the Lady Bulldogs to their third consecutive victory in four games.

“My mindset is to become more mature out there, so I can help the team. I see this as a chance to recover from my lapses last season,’’ said Alinsug, who dropped the killer cross court spike at match point.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball first round

Belen energized the Lady Bulldogs in the opening set while likewise helping out on defense with 16 excellent receptions and seven digs.

“We’re glad that we are gradually improving. I know that our best performance has yet to come,’’ said Belen after the Lady Bulldogs triumphed in straight sets for the second consecutive outing.

NU Lady Bulldogs’ Vangie Alinsug. –UAAP PHOTO

Nina Ytang and Mikaela Magsombol combined forces with Irah Jaboneta and Stephanie Bustrillo, but the team effort wasn’t enough to pull winless UP out of a losing rut after four games.

READ: UAAP volleyball: Alyssa Solomon, Lady Bulldogs slowly picking up pace

“I was able to utilize all of my players and most of them delivered,’’ said NU coach Norman Miguel, emphasizing that the Lady Bulldogs now have more time in their hands to focus on the tournament after complying with their academic requirements recently.

Solomon propelled NU to a comfortable seven-point advantage near the end of the first set with a block off Abby Goc followed by a down-the-line strike.

Belen’s spirited spike from the middle added more pressure after Magsombol’ service error before Arah Panique sealed the initial set with a cross court attack.

The Lady Bulldogs encountered little resistance in the ensuing set, bolting away early with unheralded spikers Aishat Bello, Abegail Pono, Panique and Myrtle Escanlar fueling their offense. Solomon ended the set with another hit from the middle.

“When I came on board (as a coach), I was really amazed at the skill level of my players. Proper conditioning will be the key in our succeeding matches,’’ said Miguel.

With the game already on the line, the Lady Maroons responded at the onset of the final set, but NU again seized control leading to a quick ending through the powerful forays of Alinsug.