MANILA – National University Lady Bulldogs cruised to a 25-23, 25-19, 25-15 straight-set victory over Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball on Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City.
Alyssa Solomon finished with 12 points, on 10 attacks, one block, and a service ace, while Evangeline Alinsug added 10 markers as the defending champions Lady Bulldogs improved to a 2-0 record.
After a tightly-contested opening set, the Lady Bulldogs made their presence felt early in the second and third sets en route to closing out the Blue Eagles in just three sets.
“Sinasabihan lang namin talaga ang mga players na one point at a time lang kasi ‘yung champion, sinabi ko nga, past na ‘yun so talagang dapat trabahuhin ‘yung pag-defend ng crown,” said NU head coach Sherwin Meneses after the game.
“So everytime na makaka-one point kami, dumadali ‘yung paged-fend ng crown. So ganun lang muna ka-simple ‘yung target namin. Any opponent, nasa lower, nasa higher rank, one point at a time lang kami,” he added.
Negrense rookie Alexia Montoro, Alexis Miner, and Lyann de Guzman finished with nine markers apiece to lead the Blue Eagles, which dropped to 0-2 win-loss slate.
In the men’s division, National University Bulldogs survived a tough challenge from the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles for a 23-25, 26-24, 27-25, 29-27 victory.
Negrense Leo Ordiales top-scored for the Bulldogs with 14 points built on 13 attacks, while Peng Taguibolos broke out with 13 points built on seven attacks and a game-high six blocks.
Obed Mukaba ended the day with 10 points with four blocks, four aces, and two attacks, while Jade Disquitado chipped in seven points in his Season 87 debut for the five-peat seeking NU, now with a 2-0 win-loss slate.
Kenneth Batas poured in 21 points (all on attacks) with 21 excellent receptions and three excellent digs in the losing effort, while Negrense Jian Salarzon chipped in 12 points as they dropped to a 1-1 record./PN
