By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs fought off a determined Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws squad, escaping with a 25-15, 23-25, 24-26, 25-23, 15-8 victory in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, February 23.
Negrense Shaira Jardio displayed her defensive prowess, finishing with a double-double of 16 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions as the defending champion Lady Bulldogs improved to 3-0.
Alyssa Solomon led the way for NU with 23 points, including 19 attacks and four blocks, while Mhicaela Belen added 21 points, highlighted by seven aces.
Evangeline Alinsug also stepped up with 19 points.
After trailing early in the deciding set, NU took control behind Solomon, Belen and Sheena Toring, pulling away for a 9-4 lead.
FEU closed in at 7-10, but crucial plays from Alinsug and key defensive stops by Erin Pangilinan and Arah Panique sealed the win.
Jean Asis paced the Lady Tamaraws with 20 points, including 16 attacks, while Faida Bakanke and Jazlyn Ellarina chipped in 12 and 11, respectively, as they dropped to a 1-2 record.
Meanwhile, Sophia Beatriz “Sobe” Buena made a resounding season debut as the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles swept the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 25-18, 25-22, 25-18.
After missing Ateneo’s first two games due to a minor injury, Buena made her presence felt with 17 points built on 15 attacks, one block and one ace, with six excellent digs and four excellent receptions, as the Blue Eagles improved to a 1-2 win-loss slate.
Lyann de Guzman provided ample support with 14 points on 12 attacks and two aces with six excellent digs and four excellent receptions, while Alexa Miner tallied 12 points on seven attacks, four blocks and one ace with three excellent digs for Ateneo.
“When everybody plays good, the team will be good,” Ateneo head coach Sergio Veloso said after the game.
“In this match, our service worked to our plan. Our service is our first attack, and this impression in the match is so important,” he added.
Aklanon Irah Jaboneta was the lone Fighting Maroon who breached double digits with 11 points to go along with 10 excellent receptions and two excellent digs.
They suffered their first loss in three games./ASC, WDJ