By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs rebounded from a slow start to sweep the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors, 25-19, 25-10, 25-19, in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, March 4.

Coming off a stunning reverse-sweep loss to the University of the Philippines on February 28, the Lady Bulldogs struggled early and trailed the Lady Warriors, 8-15, in the opening set.

Negrense Celine Marsh, Vange Alinsug and Arah Panique then sparked a turnaround for NU, leading a decisive 17-4 run that allowed the Lady Bulldogs to steal the first set, 25-19.

NU took full control from there, dominating the second set, 25-10, before closing out the match in the third, 25-19.

Marsh, who replaced rookie Sam Cantada in the starting six, finished with 11 points built on eight attacks, two aces and a block. She also contributed 12 excellent digs and four receptions.

“I never really doubted Celine’s performance. I never really feel like na malaki ‘yung mawawala kapag may isang player na hindi makakalaro kasi I have somebody else to help the team. Tulungan lang talaga kami,” NU head coach Regine Diego said.

Panique led the Lady Bulldogs with 12 points, while Alinsug added 10 markers as the defending champions improved to 4-1 for solo second place.

For UE, Van Bangayan paced the offense with 12 points and five receptions, while Khy Cepada chipped in 10 points, seven receptions and six digs. The Lady Warriors remained winless in five matches.

In the other game, Far Eastern University swept Ateneo de Manila University, 25-17, 25-17, 26-24, to improve to a 3-2 record. The Blue Eagles also dropped to 0-5.

Faida Bakanke led the Lady Tamaraws with 12 points, while Jazlyn Ellarina added 11 markers./ASC, WDJ