NU Lady Bulldogs.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–National University opened its second round duties with a 25-21, 30-32, 25-17, 25-19 victory over University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Vange Alinsug was instrumental for the Lady Bulldogs after pouring in 24 points from 20 attacks, a block and three aces on top of 12 excellent receptions while Bella Belen contributed 21 points built around 18 attacks and three blocks.
“Sa nilaro po ng UP, talagang lumaban sila. Talagang pinakita nila kung ano yung kaya nilang gawin against us,” Belen said. “Sa team po namin, I believe slow start po kami. Di ko po alam kung ano ang dahilan at kung bakit.”
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball second round
Coming off a loss to La Salle at the end of its first round campaign, the Lady Bulldogs were determined to bounce back after bowing once again to the defending champions.
“Parang ‘yung utak ng team, kahit sinabi namin na naka-move on na kami sa pagkatalo sa La Salle, parang slight na hindi pa rin kami naka-move on at gustong gusto naming bumawi,” Belen said.
“Sa sobrang kakaisip namin na gusto naming bumawi, hindi kami makagalaw nang maayos,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons brought all the momentum they gained from their first win of the season against University of the East on Sunday and secured an extended second frame against NU.
After a slow start, NU regained momentum for a 2-1 set lead despite committing a total of 31 errors, 11 more than UP, and Pling Baclay carving out another season-best nine blocks.
The Lady Bulldogs did not want to give up another set to its opponent as Arah Panique, Myrtle Escanlar, who had her only point from the decider, and Aishat Bello took turns helping NU near the win, 23-15.
Needing just a point to secure the victory, NU committed three consecutive errors that gave UP some hope of a comeback before Bello hammered the match point.
Chamyy Maaya scattered 11 points in three sets while libero Shaira Jardio guarded NU’s floor with 14 excellent digs and 19 receptions.
Steph Bustrillo paced UP with 17 points, mostly from kills, Baclay added 11 points and Danica Celis 10 points as the Fighting Maroons absorbed its seventh loss in eight games.
NU will try to avenge a first round loss to University of Santo Tomas on Sunday also at Smart Araneta Coliseum.