By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs handed the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses their first defeat in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament, winning with a score of 23-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday night, March 24.
Mhicaela Belen was hailed Player of the Game after finishing with 24 points, built on 21 attacks, two blocks and a service ace, to go with 13 excellent digs as the Lady Bulldogs moved up to a 7-2 win-loss slate.
After dropping the opening set, the Lady Bulldogs were on fire in the second set with a quick 15-10 lead behind attacks by Belen, Guimarasnon Camille Lamina and Alyssa Solomon before widening it to 21-14 and never looking back.
The Lady Bulldogs were engaged in a tight battle with the Golden Tigresses in the third set before they pulled away late on consecutive hits from Evangeline Alinsug and a down-the-line hit from Belen.
In the fourth set, the Golden Tigresses still tried to keep in step with the Lady Bulldogs early before the latter pulled away late on consecutive connections from Belen and Solomon.
“Lahat talaga sa amin ginusto manalo in this game, and sabi ko nga sa teammates ko na wala pang talo ang UST, kaya mas masarap manalo sa kanila,” Belen said in a post-game interview.
With the Golden Tigresses falling to an 8-1 win-loss record, it is now confirmed that the tournament’s semifinal format will be the traditional Final Four instead of the step-ladder format.
Meanwhile, the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles secured a convincing 25-14, 25-20, 25-15 triumph over the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons to bolster their semifinals bid.
Geezel Tsunashima displayed her offensive prowess as she finished with 16 points on 13 attacks and three blocks to go with six excellent digs as the Blue Eagles moved up to fifth place with a 3-6 win-loss slate.
Sophia Beatriz Buena chipped in 11 markers, built on eight attacks, two service aces and a block, while team captain Roma Mae Doromal ended with 13 excellent receptions and eight excellent digs./ASC, WDJ