MANILA – National University Lady Bulldogs pulled off a stunning 25-17, 14-25, 17-25, 25-13, 17-15 win over University of the Philippines Lady Maroons in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball on Wednesday at San Juan Arena.
Ilongga Princess Robles led the way with 17 points, on 10 attacks and seven service aces, to go along with 21 excellent receptions for the Lady Bulldogs, which halted its three-game losing skid to improve to 2-4 win-loss slate.
Ivy Lacsina chipped in 16 markers, on 12 attacks and four blocks, while fellow rookie Jennifer Nierva had double-double 29 excellent receptions and 26 digs for the Lady Bulldogs.
Trailing 1-2 sets after three sets, the Lady Bulldogs came out strong in the fourth frame for an 11-6 edge. The Lady Maroons, however, rallied back for a 23-all score but an error from them and an attack to force a fifth set.
In the decider, both teams traded advantage before the Lady Maroons moved to within matchpoint at 14-10 but five straight points from the National University put them ahead at 15-14.
After the Lady Maroons tied the count at 15-all, the Lady Bulldogs took a 16-15 advantage on a conversion from Lacsina before Bacolodnon Gelina Luceno ended the match with a block.
“Sa amin naman every match ang lagi lang naming ini-instill sa kanila na just enjoy the game, nothing to lose, enjoy pero ‘di mako-compromise ‘yung focus,” said Lady Bulldogs head coach Norman Miguel.
Diana Carlos and Justine Dorog finished with 15 points each, while Maria Lina Molde added 13 markers for the Lady Maroons, which suffered its second straight loss for a 3-3 card./PN
