By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs turned back the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights, 25-23, 25-21, 23-25, 25-11, to kickstart their campaign in the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena in Manila on Wednesday, August 7.
Negrense Myrtle Escanlar and Kaye Bombita stepped up offensively for the Lady Bulldogs in the absence of Mhicaela Belen, Alyssa Solomon and Negrense Arah Panique due to their Alas Pilipinas commitments.
Escanlar, a native of Negros Occidental’s Pontevedra town, contributed 16 markers on 14 attacks and two service aces as the Lady Bulldogs took an early 1-0 lead in the tournament.
On the other hand, Bombita posted a game-high 19 points on 14 attacks, three service aces and two blocks for the reigning UAAP women’s volleyball tournament champions.
“We still need maturity, especially with the rookies and less experienced players, so this win is a big boost for the team and their confidence,” NU assistant coach Karl Dimaculangan said.
“There are still many adjustments and improvements needed, especially on the verge of last year with players like Bella and Aly being senior players. They need to get used to stepping up in games,” he added.
Gia Maquilang led the Lady Knights with 15 points on 13 attacks and two aces, while Marie Nitura contributed 13 markers.
They dropped to a 1-1 win-loss card.
Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons outdueled the Lyceum of the Philippines University Lady Pirates, 25-16, 25-23, 15-25, 25-20.
Nina Ytang shone with 16 points from 12 attacks and four blocks, while Kassandra Doering and Aklanon Irah Jaboneta contributed 14 and 10 points, respectively, as the Fighting Maroons improved to a 2-1 win-loss slate.
“It’s a positive note for us because, as you know, 70 percent of the UP lineup this year are rookies,” UP head coach Oliver Almadro said.
“We’re happy that most of the rookies are delivering. We can use some of the rookies, but what we need is consistency and maturity,” he said.
“There’s a tendency to relax or maintain a certain level, but I’m really challenging them that every game, every point, every set, the level should [go] up every time. It’s still a learning process,” he added./ASC, WDJ