MANILA – National University Lady Bulldogs moved closer to UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball coronation after a 25-23, 25-20, 25-20 Game 1 win over University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses on Saturday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Alyssa Solomon led the charge for the Lady Bulldogs with 17 points, Michaela Belen added 13 markers, while Evangeline Alinsug and Sheena Toring finished with 12 and 10 points, respectively.
In the first set, the Lady Bulldogs surged to a 16-10 lead, but the Golden Tigresses fought back, leveling the score at 22-all. However, timely hits from NU’s Solomon and Alinsug sealed the set for their team.
The Golden Tigresses came out strong in the second set, establishing a 7-4 lead. However, the Lady Bulldogs mounted a comeback with a 6-0 scoring run, seizing control and ultimately securing a 2-0 set advantage.
In the third set, both teams exchanged hits early on until the Lady Bulldogs managed to build a 16-12 lead. Although the Golden Tigresses narrowed the gap to 19-21, NU countered with a 4-1 run to close out the match.
“Masayang masaya kasi nauna na kami sa Game 1. Nag work ‘yung game plan kahit papaano na-apply namin so masayang-masaya,” said Lady Bulldogs head coach Norman Miguel.
Jonna Perdido led the scoring for the Golden Tigresses with 17 points, supported by Regina Jurado, who contributed 10 markers.
Unfortunately, Angeline Poyos had to leave the game in the second set due to a right ankle injury and did not return. Despite her early exit, she still managed to tally seven points, along with eight excellent digs and two excellent receptions.
Meanwhile, NU Bulldogs moved closer to their fourth consecutive UAAP men’s volleyball championship after a 25-17, 26-24, 25-19 victory over UST Golden Spikers in Game 1 of the finals.
Michaelo Buddin and Nico Almendras finished with 16 points apiece, Leo Aringo added 15 markers, and Joshua Retamar tossed 24 excellent sets for the three-time defending champions Bulldogs./PN
