MANILA – National University Lady Bulldogs made a quick work of University of the East Lady Warriors, 25-19, 25-23, 25-19, to barge into the win column of the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball on Saturday at San Juan Arena.
Rookie Ivy Lacsina led the way with 18 points, on 14 attacks, three blocks and a service ace, for the Lady Bulldogs, which tied Ateneo Lady Eagles, University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses and Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws at 1-1.
Roselyn Doria added 12 markers, while Audrey Paran and Ilongga Princess Ann Robles combined for 19 markers for the Lady Bulldogs, which were playing sans injured Risa Sato and Joyme Cagande.
Both teams went toe-to-toe early in the opening set with the Lady Bulldogs clinging to a slim 16-13 lead. NU widened the edge with conversions from Lacsina, Robles and Doria before Joni Chavez ended the set with a drop shot.
The Lady Bulldogs got into early lead in the second set but the Lady Warriors battled back to come to within 13-16. UE managed to pull even closer but clutch hits by Lacsina allowed NU to take a 2-0 set advantage.
The Lady Bulldogs opened the third set strong as it took a 16-12 lead on conversions from Lacsina, Paran and Robles. Lady Warriors tried to come close but the Lady Bulldogs strung up consecutive points to clinch the win.
Judith Abil top-scored with 10 points, on eight attacks and two service aces, while Mary Ann Mendrez added eight markers for the Lady Warriors, which slid down to 0-2 win-loss slate./PN