By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs took the lead in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament standings after a 25-16, 25-14, 25-18 win over the Adamson University Lady Falcons at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Saturday night, April 20.

Alyssa Solomon finished with 14 points on 12 attacks, one block and a service ace, while Mhicaela Belen also ended up with 14 markers as the Lady Bulldogs surged to solo first place with an 11-2 win-loss slate.

The Lady Falcons were just two points late in the third set, trailing 17-19, but the Lady Bulldogs unleashed a massive closing surge courtesy of Belen, Kaye Bombita and Negrense Myrtle Escanlar to secure the win in straight sets.

Solomon credited the Lady Bulldogs’ enjoyment of the game and maturity, regardless of their opponents, as the key factors in their unbeaten second round of elimination campaign so far.

“Siguro ‘yung enjoyment every game kasi nung first round dun kami nagkulang,” Solomon said.

“And ‘yung maturity na kailangan hindi kami nagre-relax sa game namin, kailangan all-out pa din kahit sino ‘yung kalaban,” she added.

Ayesha Juegos paced the Lady Falcons with eight points, while rookie Red Bascon and Ishie Lalongisip each made six points.

They dropped to a 3-10 record.

Meanwhile, the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws overcame a tough challenge from the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons in four sets for a 25-20, 27-29, 25-21, 25-21 triumph.

Faida Bakanke top-scored for the Lady Tamaraws with 19 points on 16 attacks, two blocks and a service ace, while Chenie Tagaod added 13 points and 11 excellent receptions as they improved to a 9-4 record.

With the Lady Tamaraws ahead 20-17 in the fourth set, the Fighting Maroons made a run of three straight points, thanks to Jewel Encarnacion and Steph Bustrillo, to tie the score at 20.

However, the Lady Tamaraws retaliated with a 5-1 finishing run, with Mitzi Panangin and Tagaod combining for the win in two hours and 14 minutes./ASC, WDJ