National University came alive after a sluggish start to sweep University of the East, 25-19, 25-10, 25-19, for a crucial bounce-back win in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.
Coming off a shock reverse-sweep loss to the UP Fighting Maroons last Saturday, the Lady Bulldogs started flat and found themselves trailing 8-15 in the opening set against the Lady Warriors.
However, behind Celine Marsh, Vange Alinsug, and Arah Panique, NU roared back with a decisive 17-4 run to steal the first set, 25-19.
The sophomore Marsh, who got the starting nod in place of injured rookie Sam Cantada, finished with 11 points built on eight spikes, two aces, and a block. She also had 12 excellent digs and four receptions.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“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,” said NU head coach Regine Diego on Marsh’s first start.
The Lady Bulldogs never looked back, cruising through the second set, 25-10, and closing out the third, 25-19.
With the win, NU improved to 4-1, claiming solo second place ahead of idle UP at 3-1.
“Nag-move on lang kami. Hindi naman doon (sa talo sa UP) natatapos ang lahat, marami pa kaming chance na baguhin at pagtrabahuhan pa yung susunod na games,” said team captain Vange Alinsug, who delivered an all-around effort of 10 points, seven digs, and seven receptions.
Panique also reached double figures with 12 points.
Cantada, who injured her right shin during last Saturday’s five-set loss to the Fighting Maroons, was in uniform but did not see action to allow her to recover. Still, Diego remains optimistic that the Dasmariñas, Cavite native will be ready for Sunday’s showdown against Ateneo de Manila University.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
For UE, Van Bangayan paced the Lady Warriors with 12 points and five receptions, while Khy Cepada added 10 points, seven receptions, and six digs.
The Lady Warriors remained winless after five games and will try to break through on Saturday against undefeated De La Salle University at the same venue.
