MANILA – National University Lady Bulldogs began their title defense in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball with a 25-23, 25-21, 25-18 sweep over De La Salle University Lady Spikers on Sunday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Guimarasnon Camila Lamina tallied 20 excellent sets as NU joined the Adamson University Lady Falcons, Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, and University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons with a 1-0 card.
Mhicaela Belen led the way for the Lady Bulldogs with 14 points, on 10 attacks, three service aces, and a block, while Alyssa Solomon and Alexa Mata contributed 13 and 10 points, respectively.
The Lady Bulldogs surged to a 14-7 start in the opening set behind early offense by Erin Pangilinan and Belen. The Lady Spikers responded with a run to tie the score at 23-all before NU answered with attacks from Sheena Toring to take the set.
Both teams were engaged in a tight battle early in the second set with NU clinging to a 20-18 lead before they went on a 5-3 finishing run behind Belen, Solomon, and Evangeline Alinsug to secure a 2-0 set advantage.
The Lady Bulldogs started strong in the third set as they established a 20-10 advantage. The Lady Spikers tried to stay alive as they cut the deficit to 18-24 but they committed a service error to close the game.
“Happy ako na nanalo kami, either five sets or three sets, pareho lang naman,” said Lady Bulldogs head coach Sherwin Meneses after the game. “’Yung three sets mahirap din gawin versus La Salle kaya happy kami na nakuha namin sila in straight sets.”
Shevana Laput finished with 18 points, all coming from attacks, while Negrense Angel Canino struggled with just seven markers as the Lady Spikers opened their season with defeat.
Meanwhile, Shaina Nitura had a sensational collegiate debut as Adamson University Lady Falcons pulled off a stunning 21-25, 20-25, 25-12, 25-15, 15-12 comeback victory against Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles.
Nitura delivered a standout performance, racking up 33 points from 28 attacks, four blocks, and a service ace. She also shattered the UAAP freshman scoring record of 31 points previously set by University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses’ Angeline Poyos./PN
