NU Lady Bulldogs.–UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Alyssa Solomon took flight with a broad jump, knocking down the ball with more elevation, power and speed for a sure kill.
That signature Solomon special practically became the routine for the night as National University overpowered Adamson, 25-16, 25-14, 25-18, on Saturday evening at the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.
“We just go all out regardless of who we face,” said Solomon after whacking the other side of the floor with 12 attacks out of her 14 points that helped keep the Lady Bulldogs flawless in the second round.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball second round
Bella Belen banged in a similar output on top of five excellent digs and two aces as the Lady Bulldogs guaranteed themselves a playoff for a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.
On top with an 11-2 record, they are determined to sweep all of their matches in the second round with the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws their final hurdle in the elimination phase on Wednesday.
“We respect every opponent. We will study them (Lady Tamaraws), watch their games and break down every detail in our preparation,” said Belen.
With University of Santo Tomas and defending champion La Salle, both tied at 10-2, breathing down their neck, the Lady Bulldogs could cement their position in the top two spots with another win.
READ: UAAP: UST, NU, La Salle make last push for Final Four incentive
Vangie Alinsug backstopped Belen and Solomon with nine points with Sheena Toring contributing eight points and two blocks. Camilla Lamina’s 11 excellent set likewise aided NU’s quest in picking the Lady Falcons apart.
The Lady Bulldogs hardly gave Adamson a shred of confidence by consistently asserting their might in the first two sets.
Ayesha Juegos provided little hope for the Lady Falcons after finally tying the count in the third set with two consecutive aces as they even led on a Solomon attack error, 13-12, but just couldn’t cling onto it down the stretch.
Adamson absorbed its 10th defeat in 13 games and will end the season against Ateneo on Wednesday.
The lethal scoring trio of Solomon, Belen and Alinsug again went on attack mode and the Lady Bulldogs surged to a comfy five-point lead.
Belen dropped another crosscourt strike on the back row and rookie Myrtle Escanlar ended Adamson’s ordeal with a powerful hammer down the middle at match point.