National University kicked off its bid for a ‘three-peat’ in the Shakey’s Super League Pre-season Championship with an impressive 25-12, 25-27, 25-16, 25-17 victory over Ateneo de Manila University on Friday at Rizal Memorial Coliseum, despite a hiccup in the second set.
Fresh off a sixth-place finish at the prestigious Asian Women’s Club Championship in Thailand last week, the Lady Bullpups showcased their skills, particularly in the three sets they won.
Erin Pangilinan led the charge with 17 points, comprised of 12 attacks and an impressive nine blocks. Vange Alinsug also contributed significantly with 14 points.
“Syempre as of now, sa galaw [nila] medyo nakukuha na ‘yung sistema. Continuous pa rin ‘yung training namin for UAAP preparation, ‘yun ‘yung number one,” said newly appointed Lady Bulldogs head coach Sherwin Meneses, who took over from Norman Miguel.
Due to the all-to-play format, Ateneo’s second-string players outshone NU’s starters—Nataszha Bombita, Abegail Pono, Sheena Toring, Maaya Minierva, Arah Panique, and rookie Celine Marsh—in the second set. However, when NU’s main players returned to the court, they dominated.
Reigning UAAP MVP Bella Belen added eight points, while last season’s Finals MVP Alyssa Solomon chipped in seven.
For Ateneo, Lyann De Guzman and Mitzi Pacia paced the team with nine and eight points, respectively.
(C) Roman Prospero/SSL
Earlier in the day, UAAP team University of the East defeated NCAA’s University of Perpetual Help System Dalta in straight sets, 25-17, 25-20, 25-15, improving to 2-0 in Pool B.
Casiey Dongallo led UE with 11 points, including 10 attacks and one ace, as the Lady Warriors dominated the 77-minute match.
Riza Nogales contributed eight points, while Bea Zamudio, Yesha Rojo, and Kayce Balingit each added five points. UE capitalized on the Lady Altas’ errors, receiving 26 free points.
In an all-NCAA clash, Arellano University rallied from a 1-2 match deficit to defeat San Beda University, 25-19, 22-25, 20-25, 25-10, 15-6, earning its second win in as many games in Pool A.
Middle blocker Fhaye Mangubat delivered a game-high 20 points, including eight in the Lady Chiefs’ dominating fourth set.
Angel Habacon and Sophie Cagalawan also contributed 14 and 12 points, respectively, for the Lady Red Spikers.
Cyrill Alemaniana scored 11 points for the Lady Altas.
