MANILA – National University Lady Bulldogs (NU) stunned University of Santo Tomas UST Golden Tigresses, 22-25, 25-23, 20-25, 25-20, 15-13, in five sets fashion of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 82 Women’s Volleyball at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday.
Margot Mutshima tallied 23 points built on 20 attacks and three service aces, while Ivy Lacsina and returning Risa Sato chipped in 19 and 17 markers, respectively, for the Lady Bulldogs.
Down two sets to one and behind 13-10 in the fourth set, the Lady Bulldogs turned things around behind Mutshima, Lacsinsa and Sato to send the match to the deciding set.
NU surged to an early lead behind errors from its opponent, but UST mounted a huge run to trim the deficit to 8-9.
Mutshima and Lacsina came alive for the Lady Bulldogs to establish a 14-11 edge. After back-to-back errors from NU, Lacsina ended the match with an attack.
Ejiya Laure finished with 20 points, while rookie middle blocker Imee Hernandez and returning Ennajie Laure contributed 18 and 17 markers, respectively, for the Season 81 runner-up UST.
In the men’s action, meanwhile, National University Bulldogs began its three-peat quest with a 27-25, 23-25, 25-19, 27-25 victory over the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers.
Nico Almendras came through for the Bulldogs with a double-double output of 20 points and 14 excellent receptions, while his transferee teammate Ed Camposano added 19 markers with four coming from blocks./PN
