By: Justine Anne Gaerlan
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY Nazareth School is one step closer to completing its redemption arc in the UAAP High School Girls’ Volleyball Tournament after defeating defending champion Adamson University in Game 1 of the Season 87 Finals, 25-16, 25-21, 25-13, on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.
After falling to Adamson in last season’s finals, NUNS now stands on the brink of reclaiming its throne.
This victory places the Lady Bullpups just one win away from their seventh title in the past nine seasons, which they can claim on Saturday, 11 a.m. at the same venue.
NUNS dominated the third set from the outset, surging to an early 9-2 lead and maintaining control throughout.
Adamson struggled to find its rhythm, leaving the Lady Bullpups firmly in command.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
At 22-10, back-to-back attack errors by Adamson’s Abby Segui brought the Lady Bullpups to match point.
The Lady Baby Falcons fought back briefly as Sam Cantada delivered a powerful spike, followed by an ace, and capitalized on a miscue from Rihanna Navarro to save three match points.
However, Navarro redeemed herself moments later, sealing the match with a clever push that ended the set and secured the win for the top-seeded squad.
“Mas mahirap, alam ko, ‘yung kung paano mo tatapusin ‘yung series… so kailangan namin mas mag-prepare pa and check kung ano pa pwede namin i-improve,” said Lady Bullpups head coach Karl Dimaculangan.
“Siguro ‘yung discipline namin, na hindi kami dapat mawala doon, and especially ‘yung focus kasi ‘yun ‘yung mga nagiging lapses namin during game,” added Dimaculangan, who also steered the Lady Bulldogs to the top back in Season 84.
The first set opened as a tightly contested battle, with both teams trading points early. Adamson’s errors, however, proved costly, allowing the Lady Bullpups to pull away.
NUNS closed the set with a commanding six-point run, capped by two aces from Jenelyn Jacob and a powerful attack from Diza Berayo, ending the set at 25-16.
In the second set, NUNS quickly built a 12-7 lead, punctuated by a 3-0 run and a strong finish by Denesse Daylisan.
Maintaining momentum, the Lady Bullpups reached set point with another decisive attack from Daylisan.
Navarro sealed the frame with a service ace, 25-21.
The Lady Bullpups were relentless in the final set, riding on their early advantage and capitalizing on Adamson’s lack of rhythm.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Daylisan led the charge with an unstoppable performance, amassing 14 points, including 13 kills.
Berayo added 11 points, 10 of which came from attacks, while also contributing a crucial block.
Navarro orchestrated the offense with 13 excellent sets and contributed five points.
Atasha Doroja anchored the Lady Bullpups’ defense, tallying 13 digs and six receptions.
For Adamson, Segui scored 10 points, while Ellaine Gonzalvo chipped in nine.
Playmaker Jennel Arasan provided 12 excellent sets in an effort to keep the Lady Baby Falcons in the game.
