MANILA – Alyssa Solomon marked her return for the National University by guiding the Lady Bulldogs to a 25-16, 25-15, 25-21 victory over Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Solomon, who sat out the last two games due to a minor left ankle sprain, finished with 12 points on 11 attacks and a block as the Lady Bulldogs sealed the No. 1 seed heading into the Final Four round with an 11-2 record.
Mhicaela Belen led the way with a triple-double of 16 points, 13 excellent receptions, and 10 excellent digs, while Erin Pangilinan contributed 11 markers for the reigning champions.
Ateneo showed signs of life in the third set courtesy of a back row hit from AC Miner, a quick attack from Yvana Sulit, and a net touch violation by NU’s Abe Pono to trim the gap to 16-15.
But the Lady Bulldogs responded with three consecutive points from Nigerian opposite hitter Aisha Bello to restore a 20-16 lead before completing the straight-set win with connections from Belen, Solomon, and Pangilinan.
Miner and Lyann de Guzman finished with nine points apiece for the Blue Eagles, which dropped to a 4-9 win-loss slate.
Meanwhile, University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons pulled off a stunning five-set victory over De La Salle University Lady Spikers, 26-24, 18-25, 19-25, 25-22, 16-14, to keep their Final Four hopes alive.
Negrense Joan Marie Monares finished with 16 points off 15 attacks and a block, while also tallying seven excellent digs and five excellent receptions as the Fighting Maroons improved to a 6-6 record.
Rookie Kassandra Doering added 15 points, including three blocks, while Kianne Olango and Nina Ytang chipped in 11 points each.
Shevana Laput led DLSU with 27 points, while Angel Canino and Amie Provido added 25 and 11 markers, respectively. The Lady Spikers slipped to an 8-4 record./PN
