Lady Bulldogs regain Top 2 spot on resumption of UAAP
Games Thursday(Mall of Asia Arena)10 a.m. — UP vs DLSU (men)12 noon — FEU vs ADMU (men)2 p.m. — UP vs DLSU (women)4 p.m. — FEU vs ADMU (women)
NATIONAL University (NU) wasted no time following up its big time win against erstwhile unbeaten University of Santo Tomas (UST) with an easy work of the University of the East (UE), 25-14 25-14, 25-12, in the resumption of the The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s volleyball tournament Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Lady Bulldogs, who dented the previously unbeaten Golden Tigresses before the 10-day Holy Week break, needed only 75 minutes to dispatch the Lady Warriors behind the lethal duo of Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon.
Ms. Solomon fired 14 points on 13 hits while the versatile ace Ms. Belen was everywhere once again with 12 points on eight attacks and four blocks complemented by 10 digs and 10 receptions.
All players, save for the liberos and setters, scored for NU that hiked its slate to 8-2 on the back of pace-setting (UST) (8-1) and reigning champion De La Salle University (7-1) in a photo finish for the Top Two spots and the twice-to-beat bonuses in the Final Four.
Peaking at the right time with now two straight wins in the second round, the former champion’s offense was unforgiving up to an extent that UE wasn’t able to register a single block.
Led by Ms. Belen and libero Shaira Mae Jardio with 12 digs, the Lady Bulldogs — who opted to stay with the team during the Holy Week break instead of going home to their provinces — also protected the floor like it’s their backyard with no single ace from the Lady Warriors.
Super rookie Casiey Monique Dongallo was limited to just six points while Riza Nogales had the same output for the Lady Warriors, who slid to 2-7 at seventh place. — John Bryan Ulanday
