By: Justine Anne Gaerlan
National University-Nazareth School moved into solo first place in the UAAP Season 89 High School Girls’ Volleyball Tournament after dismantling the University of Santo Tomas, 25-16, 25-19, 25-12, on Tuesday at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.
The defending champions improved to 3-0, while the Junior Golden Tigresses slipped to 2-1.
NUNS carried its momentum into the third set, racing to a 14-4 lead after a seven-point run fueled by attacks from Xyz Rayco, Raine Alonzo, and Jhaynna Bulandres.
The Lady Bullpups maintained control and stretched the gap to 23-12 before an attack error from Kaite Cruz handed NUNS match point. UST fought off four match points behind two attacks from Nicole Pelaez, an Erin Sotto ace, and a NUNS attack error, but Rayco closed out the match with the finishing kill.
“Alam namin kung gaano rin kagustong manalo nila (UST), so… every game, same mindset kami sa bawat kalaban namin. Malaking bagay na naka-mindset kami na lahat ng teams may chance kasi ngayon, so if gusto namin makuha ulit ‘yung crown, kailangan namin pagtrabahuhan,” said NUNS head coach Karl Dimaculangan.
Rayco continued her strong start to the season with a 16-point outing for NUNS, producing 12 attacks, three aces, and a block. Bulandres and Alonzo backed her up with nine points each, with the former delivering eight attacks and an ace, while the latter contributed six attacks, two aces, and a block.
Micaella Gould ran the offense with 14 excellent sets, while Ghenievib Belen contributed 10 excellent digs in the hour-and-12-minute contest.
Pelaez led all UST scorers with 12 points on eight attacks, three blocks, and an ace, along with seven digs.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Earlier, Adamson University improved to 2-1 after overcoming Far Eastern University-Diliman, 25-22, 25-21, 15-25, 25-20.
After trailing 15-13 in the fourth set, Adamson turned the tide, allowing FEU-D just two points before embarking on a six-point scoring spree capped by back-to-back aces from Ellaine Gonzalvo.
Jennica Misajon followed with consecutive points to bring the Lady Baby Falcons to match point. FEU-D staved off three match points before Alexa Amana’s service error sealed Adamson’s victory.
“First of all, we thank the Lord for how we responded in today’s game kasi medyo nawala kami nung third set, pero siguro for me it’s a very tough game… but a very good game na nakabawi kami sa FEU, so I’m very happy na ‘yung mga bata nag-respond nang maayos doon sa game today and then ginusto talaga nila manalo,” said Adamson head coach JP Yude.
“Syempre, number one thing we want, foundation talaga is strong and kumbaga, strong character and a character that has a good response in every situation so ‘yun talaga ‘yung gusto namin ma-build talaga. And gusto namin makilala na kahit tough times tulad nun, down na kami nung third set, pagpasok ng fourth, medyo na-down din kami ulit pero they never gave up so ‘yun ‘yung gusto ko talagang makita sa mga bata.”
Misajon paced Adamson with 18 points, highlighted by 13 attacks and five aces. Gonzalvo added 16 points on 11 attacks, a block, and four aces, along with eight digs, while Kristal Martin chipped in 12 points.
Elaine Garces dictated the Lady Baby Falcons’ offense with 13 excellent sets, while Jayrelle Mesa provided 14 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions on the defensive end in the hour-and-36-minute match.
FEU-D drew a match-high 25 points from MJ Udeagbala, who converted 23 attacks and two blocks in the loss as the Baby Tamaraws fell to 0-2.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Meanwhile, De La Salle Zobel got back on track after falling to the defending champions last Sunday, defeating the University of the East, 21-25, 25-22, 25-20, 25-12.
Aislinn Alemaña powered DLSZ with 14 points, tallying 10 attacks, three aces, and a block while recording seven digs as the Junior Lady Spikers raised their record to 2-1, tying UST and Adamson for second through fourth place.
Sofia Inandan chipped in 12 points on nine attacks and three aces, while Kylie Celada added 11 points on nine attacks and two aces in the match that lasted an hour and a half.
Zofia Limpot dished out eight excellent sets, while Angela Mendoza tallied 17 digs and eight receptions to anchor the defense.
Reesseailyn Roxas paced UE in the loss with eight points on six attacks and two aces as the Junior Lady Warriors slipped to 0-3.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Ateneo de Manila University, meanwhile, got its first win on the board with a 20-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-22 triumph over University of the Philippines Integrated School, snapping a two-game skid.
Jhenica Sadia turned in an 18-point outing for the Blue Eagles, combining 16 attacks with a block and an ace, along with nine digs as Ateneo moved to sixth place.
Juiana Peregrino supplied another 13 points on 11 attacks and two blocks, along with 13 digs, while Resty Olaguir steered the attack with 12 excellent sets in the match that lasted an hour and 42 minutes.
Nina Abad finished with 16 points off 15 attacks and a block for UPIS, which dropped to 1-1 and fifth place.
