By Adrian Stewart Co

The University of the East (UE) scored a 25-16, 25-18, 24-26, 25-16 win over National University (NU) in the 81st UAAP women’s volleyball season at the San Juan Arena.

Mean Mendrez led UE with 19 points, all coming off attacks; while Judith Abil contributed a triple-double with 13 points, 29 digs, and 21 excellent receptions.

After winning the first two sets handily, UE appeared headed for a straight set triumph after taking a 24-18 lead in the third frame. However, they proceeded to surrender eight straight points to NU to extend the game.

UE regained their bearings just in time by building a 16-12 lead in the fourth set before thwarting an NU attempt to stretch the match to a decider on hits from Mendrez and Abil./ASC, WDJ