MANILA – National University Lady Bulldogs showed their force even in a non-bearing game to defeat University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses, 23-25, 25-17, 25-18, 22-25,15-9, in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Mhicaela Belen starred with a triple-double of 26 points, 17 excellent digs, and 13 excellent receptions as the Lady Bulldogs concluded the double-round eliminations on top with an 11-2 win-loss slate.
Alyssa Solomon added 23 markers, from 20 attacks, two blocks, and a service ace, while Evangeline Alinsug chipped in 19 markers for the reigning champions Lady Bulldogs.
After failing to close out the match in the fourth set, the Lady Bulldogs started the fifth set strongly, led by attacks from Belen, Solomon, and Alinsug to establish a 6-3 advantage.
The Lady Bulldogs widened the lead to 12-7, but the Golden Tigresses tried to keep in step before Belen unloaded consecutive attacks followed by a drop ball from Solomon to seal the win.
“I am happy kasi nakitang kong lumaban ‘yung teammates ko kahit ganun kapagod. Actually sobrang nakakapagod ‘yung game and nakita natin na gusto rin ng UST na manalo,” Belen said after the game.
“Pero ‘yung teammates ko hindi ko nakitaan ng takot sa mata nila, kahit pagod kami gagalaw pa din kami ng tama at ipapanalo pa din namin ‘yung game,” added the two-time UAAP MVP.
With the outcome, the Golden Tigresses and the De La Salle University Lady Spikers, both with a 9-5 win-loss slate, will dispute the remaining twice-to-beat incentive on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, which also has a 9-5 record but had a lower set ratio than UST and DLSU, will end up at No. 4 spot and will have a twice-to-win disadvantage against NU.
Regina Jurado paced the Golden Tigresses with 19 points, 12 excellent digs, and seven excellent receptions, while Angeline Poyos and Maribeth Hilongo added 15 and 12 points, respectively./PN
