Defending champion National University maintained its dominance over University of Santo Tomas in a thrilling rematch of last year’s Finals.
The Lady Bulldogs once again emerged victorious against the Golden Tigresses, overcoming a tough five-set battle, 23-25, 25-17, 19-25, 25-18, 15-9, to complete a first-round sweep in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, Sunday.
The intense, two-hour and 32-minute encounter was witnessed by 12,970 fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Lady Bulldogs swept the Golden Tigresses in last season’s best-of-three Finals to clinch their second title in three seasons. This latest victory marked NU’s fourth consecutive win over UST, dating back to their second-round clash in Season 86.
NU’s win also extended their streak to 10 straight victories, stretching back to last season’s Final Four.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Masaya kami kasi na-experience namin ‘yung ganitong labanan. Talagang hindi rin magpapatalo ‘yung UST, happy ako na talagang nakarecover kami down 2-1. Hopefully mapolish pa namin ‘yung lapses namin,” said NU head coach Sherwin Meneses.
Clinging to a slim 7-5 lead in the fifth set, the Lady Bulldogs turned to two-time MVP Bella Belen, who scored three straight points. An error from Cassie Carballo followed, giving NU an 11-5 cushion that proved pivotal.
Meneses and his coaching staff’s sharp decision-making was also crucial, successfully winning three challenges in the final set, resulting in two points and one replay.
During the fourth set, it was Season 86 Finals MVP Alyssa Solomon who stepped up to force a decider. With NU holding a narrow 12-11 lead, the 6-foot-2 opposite spiker sparked a 13-7 run, scoring six points to push the match to a fifth frame, 25-18.
“Nung una nahirapan po talaga ako kasi magandang laban po yung nangyari kanina. Tinulungan din ako ng spikers ko para bumalik din ‘yung confidence ko. Nagbigayan talaga kami ng confidence,” said setter Camilla Lamina, who dished out a season-high 33 excellent sets.
Solomon powered NU with 24 points built on 21 spikes and three blocks. Belen contributed 19 points, 17 digs, and 15 receptions, while Vange Alinsug added 17 markers.
Erin Pangilinan chipped in 12 points, while libero Shaira Jardio anchored the floor with 25 excellent receptions and 20 digs.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
UST’s five-game winning streak came to an end, placing them in a tie for second with De La Salle University at 5-2.
Regina Jurado paced the Golden Tigresses with 16 points, 16 excellent digs, and nine receptions. Angge Poyos, the league’s second-leading scorer entering the match, was limited to 13 points on a 12-of-56 spiking clip.
Carballo also impressed with 27 excellent sets and a rare 10-point outing, tallying seven attacks, two blocks, and an ace.
