NU shuts down Casiey Dongallo, UE in UAAP women’s volleyball

NU Lady Bulldogs’ Bella Belen dives for the ball during a game against the UE Lady Warriors in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball second round.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–National University sank its fangs deep into a pitiful prey with a brutal 25-14, 25-14, 25-12 demolition of University of the East on Wednesday at the resumption of the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.

Bella Belen came up with another splendid all-around performance after compiling 13 points, four blocks, 10 digs and 10 receptions and Alyssa Solomon powered the Lady Bulldogs’ offensive onslaught in netting their eighth win in 10 games.

“So far, we have been steadily improving and we hope to peak at the right time,” said Belen after NU inched closer to securing a Final Four spot.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball second round

Bella Belen, Lams Lamina, and Alyssa Solomon after beating UE. #UAAPSeason86 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/K39J5MCrok

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) April 3, 2024

“I’m not focused solely on attacks. I always find other ways where I can contribute to the team,” added the 2002 rookie-MVP when they won the Season 84 title.

Solomon led all scorers with 14 points, 12 of them attacks, and Vangie Alinsug added nine while Shaira Jardio provided solace in defending their fort with 12 digs and eight receptions.

The Lady Bulldogs face the Ateneo Blue Eagles next week and another win will send them straight to the semifinals.

“We chose to train during the holy week rather than spend time with our families to polish our game. We don’t want to rush things as we slowly work on the process to reach our goal,” said Solomon.

NU Lady Bulldogs’ Alyssa Solomon reacts during a game against the UE Lady Warriors in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball second round.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

They were merciless from start to finish, restraining the Lady Warriors from scoring a block and an ace throughout.

Casiey Dongallo, UE’s high-scoring rookie, was limited to a career-low six points after averaging at least 23 points the past eight games.

“We just stay in the present. Our mindset is to improve every game and we have to be consistent each time,” said Lamina, who tossed 13 excellent sets.

READ: UAAP: NU Lady Bulldogs rediscover bite vs UST, look to sustain run

The Lady Bulldogs were not in the mood to take it easy at the onset, zooming ahead to as many as nine points built on a flurry of attacks, blocks and aces.

After Dongallo’s cross went wide, Alinsug pummeled UE’s back row and Solomon fired an ace before Aishat Bello deflected KC Cepada’s spike with authority for a 24-12 cushion.

Belen then drilled another cross to an open spot at the back end as the Lady Bulldogs gained headway.

NU refused to tweak the narrative in the second set with Arah Panique widening the gap with a pair of hits that saw the Lady Bulldogs securing an eight-point advantage.

Belen knocked down a cross in the next sequence and Kaye Bombita scored on a tip followed by a block at set point.

The Lady Warriors lost the will to survive for good in the final set, sending them to another defeat, their seventh in nine outings.

Minierva Maaya’s ace pushed NU to an 11-point lead, after which Erin Pangilinan deflected another UE attack and Solomon drove a cross court strike at match point.