National U brings Ateneo spikers down

MANILA, Philippines — National U dragged reigning champion Ateneo to a quick 0-2 hole, running away with a 25-22, 25-15, 22-25, 25-22 victory in the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City yesterday.

Princess Robles and super rookie Mhicaela Belen sizzled with 18 markers apiece as the Lady Bulldogs scored one on the Blue Eagles for the first time in four years.

Another rookie in Alyssa Solomon added 15 points while Camilla Lamina (17 sets) and Jennifer Nierva (20 digs) provided support in NU’s second straight win after clipping Adamson in the opener, 25-15, 25-23, 25-18.

“Malaking bagay siguro yung naging preparation namin. Pero ‘yung errors namin nagiging problema pa rin so aayusin pa namin ‘yun. Kailangan pang mag-review,” said coach Karl Dimaculangan.

Later, La Salle followed up its big win against Ateneo with an easier 25-21, 25-20, 25-14 win over Adamson behind the combined efforts of Jolina Dela Cruz and rookie Alleiah Malaluan.

Dela Cruz and Malaluan hammered 12 markers each while libero Justine Jazareno was steady down the floor with 28 digs and 12 receptions in La Salle’s 2-0 start to join first-game winner NU on top.

“Medyo mabagal pa rin ang simula. Nangangapa pa rin talaga. Siguro sa latter part, naka-puwesto na kami sa blocking. Adamson also showed kung ano kaya nilang gawin so na-challenge rin talaga,” said coach Benson Bocboc, speaking in behalf of chief tactician Ramil de Jesus.

La Salle and NU collide on Tuesday for the solo lead in the return of UAAP volleyball that was halted by the pandemic in 2020.

Faith Nisperos was the only bright spot for the struggling titlist Ateneo (0-2) with 16 markers.