The National University Lady Bulldogs finally found their groove as they swept the Adamson University Lady Falcons in straight sets, 25-18, 25-12, 25-18, Sunday afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
The Lady Falcons showed some semblance of resistance during the opening moments of the first set. They were initially able to trade points, but found themselves trailing, 8-4, after a Jaja Santiago quick attack and a Fen Emnas error. While Adamson were able to notch consecutive points afterwards, the Lady Bulldogs blitzed them, going on a 10-4 run to take an 18-10 lead. Adamson had a chance late in the game when the Lady Bulldogs faltered a bit, committing multiple attack and service errors, but NU’s lead was too big for the Adamsonians to overcome.
While Adamson drew first blood in the second set, care of Jema Galanza, the Lady Bulldogs continued their excellent play, scoring on an 11-3 run, with all of Adamson’s points only coming off of NU’s miscues.
While Adamson’s offensive woes continued throughout the set, NU had no such problems. Myla Pablo scored three consecutive points and an ace to cap her team’s 8-2 run. There was nothing Adamson could do as they eventually bowed out of the second set.
NU didn’t slow down, opening the set with an 8-2 lead. Adamson, however, were able to pull it together, going on a 7-1 run to tie the set at 9. The Lady Falcons weren’t able to continue their streak, as the Lady Bulldogs once again blew past them, capped by a Nabor kill to take their biggest point difference of the set at 20-12. From there, it was only a matter of time until NU overcame the Lady Falcons.
NU’s offense was powered by Pablo’s 14 points, which came from 12 attacks, three aces, and a block. Santiago was the only other NU player in double-digits with 13 points.
For Adamson, no player scored in double-digits, with Mylene Paat contributing the most with 9 points.
After his team’s win, NU head coach Roger Gorayeb was already looking forward to his match against the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles. He shared that win or lose, as long as his players play the right way, he will be satisfied with their performance.
“Importante lang magawa namin yung trabaho namin. Manalo o matalo basta nagawa mo yung tamang gagawin, eh di sa susunod na laro yung confidence nandoon pa rin.”
The NU-Ateneo match will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 4pm at the MOA Arena. Adamson, on the other hand, will next face the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons on March 12, 2pm at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
The Scores:
NU (3) – Pablo 14, Santiago 13, Doria 7, Singh 6, Perez 4, Nabor 3, General L.
AdU (0) – Paat 9, Emnas 5, Galanza 5, Dacoron 4, Roque 3, Alkuino 2, Mohammad 1, Lebumfacil L.
