By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Arah Panique made her presence felt offensively as National University (NU) opened its UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball title defense with a 25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 26-24 victory over University of Santo Tomas (UST) at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday, February 15.

Panique finished with 15 points, providing timely attacks that helped the Lady Bulldogs maintain control and repel repeated comeback attempts by the Golden Tigresses, especially in the tightly contested fourth set.

NU leaned on a balanced offensive effort, highlighted by rookie Sam Cantada’s breakout performance of 21 points built on 17 attacks, three aces and one block, along with 14 excellent receptions in her collegiate debut.

Evangeline Alinsug also played a vital role with 18 points and 10 excellent receptions, helping stabilize the Lady Bulldogs on both offense and defense as they navigated through UST’s challenge.

The Lady Bulldogs appeared headed for a straight-set win after taking the first two frames, but the Golden Tigresses responded by capturing the third set to extend the match.

UST remained within reach in the fourth, but NU held firm behind key conversions from Panique and its steady floor defense to seal the win.

Angeline Poyos led UST with 18 points and 10 excellent receptions, while Julia Balingit, Xyza Gula and Avril Bron added 10 points each in a strong showing despite the loss.

In the other match, Adamson University also opened its campaign in dominant fashion, sweeping Ateneo de Manila University, 25-19, 25-18, 25-10.

Shaina Nitura paced the Lady Falcons with 16 points, while Frances Mordi added 14 points.

Setter Felicity Sagaysay orchestrated Adamson’s offense with 13 excellent sets and chipped in five points.

Negrense Alexia Montoro led Ateneo with five points, while Bacolodnon Jihan Chuatico, Faye Nisperos and Ilongga rookie Ana Hermosura contributed three points each./ASC, WDJ