MANILA – National University Lady Bulldogs stayed undefeated in the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball by executing a 25-21, 25-20, 25-17 sweep of De La Salle University Lady Spikers on Thursday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Ilongga Princess Ann Robles spearheaded the offense with 17 points as the Lady Bulldogs remained on top of the standings with a perfect 8-0 win-loss record.
Mhicaela Belen flirted with triple-double 14 points, 10 excellent digs, and six excellent receptions, while fellow rookie Alyssa Solomon contributed 11 points for NU.
After close encounters in the first and second sets, the Lady Bulldogs stepped on the gas in the third set for a 16-8 advantage in the second technical timeout of the third frame.
The Lady Spikers sliced it to 12-18 following an ace from Mereophe Sharma but that is the closest they could get with NU unloading a 5-0 spurt to take an 11-point advantage, 23-12, through Ivy Lacsina’s quick attack.
“Ito panibagong round na ‘to, challenge rin sa amin, inexpect namin na magiging hirap. ‘Yung mga players nagtrabaho talaga nang mabuti para makuha yung panalo,” said NU head coach Karl Dimaculangan.
Thea Gagate finished with 10 points, on seven attacks and three blocks, while Alleiah Malaluan and Negrense Marite Espina had seven and six markers, respectively, as DLSU dropped to 5-3 slate.
Defending champions Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles handed Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws its fifth consecutive loss, 25-22, 25-13, 25-23.
Faith Nisperos produced a game-high 19 points founded on 15 attacks, three aces, and a block along with nine excellent receptions to lead the Blue Eagles to the fifth spot with an even 4-4 standing.
Former FEU players AC Miner and Lyann De Guzman scored nine and eight points, respectively, while Vanessa Gandler had seven points and nine excellent digs for the Blue Eagles./PN
