By: Justine Anne Gaerlan
National University-Nazareth School moved within a win of completing a first-round sweep in the UAAP Season 89 High School Girls’ Volleyball Tournament after overpowering the University of the East, 25-10, 25-10, 25-10, on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym in Loyola Heights, Quezon City.
The Lady Bullpups extended their unbeaten run to six games to retain the solo lead at 6-0 ahead of their elimination-round rematch with last season’s finals rivals, the Far Eastern University-Diliman Lady Baby Tamaraws. The Junior Lady Warriors, meanwhile, remained winless in six outings.
“Magpe-prepare lang kami for last game ng second round. Siguro ‘yun na yung focus muna namin. One game at a time naman kami… [FEU-D] yung championship team last year so maghahanda lang kami nang mabuti,” said NUNS head coach Karl Dimaculangan.
The Lady Bullpups maintained control in the final set, stretching their lead to 21-6 with an eight-point scoring run capped by three service aces from Irish Mahinay. Adi Agustin’s block brought NUNS within a point of victory, but UE trimmed the deficit with a Janah Sumagaysay attack and a Lady Bullpups error before Ysabella Cruz delivered the match-clinching kill.
Xyz Rayco continued to prove difficult to contain, pouring in 15 points on eight attacks and seven service aces. The Lady Bullpups complemented her output with balanced contributions from Jhaynna Bulandres, Jaila Adrao, Mardy Tayag, and Ysabelle Tuballas, who finished with six points apiece.
Mahinay distributed 10 excellent sets in the 52-minute contest, while Ghenievib Belen anchored the defense with nine excellent digs.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Meanwhile, Far Eastern University-Diliman secured its fourth consecutive win at the expense of De La Salle Zobel, sweeping the Junior Lady Spikers, 25-22, 25-7, 25-23, to remain in solo fourth place.
Both teams traded points deep into the third set, reaching a 23-all deadlock before Joeyana Bongo’s swipe put the Lady Baby Tamaraws at match point. MJ Udeagbala then delivered a service ace to seal the victory.
“Nag-adjust lang kami doon sa depensa namin tsaka sa blockings. Kasi nung first set medyo halos wala kaming mablock eh,” said FEU-D head coach Joanne Bunag. “’Yun, buti na lang, nakuha, nakapag-adjust kami… sana ma-improve pa namin.”
“Alam naman natin, medyo mabigat talagang kalaban ang NU. Pero nasasabi ko naman sa mga players ko na kailangan lang naming magtrabaho. Kailangan lang silang magtulong-tulungan doon sa loob ng court. Walang imposible.”
Udeagbala powered FEU-Diliman’s offense with 15 points on 13 attacks, one block, and one service ace, while Bongo added 12 points on eight attacks, one block, and one ace to help the Lady Baby Tamaraws improve to 4-2.
Emile Guivani facilitated the offense with 10 excellent sets in the 68-minute encounter, while Franz Premaylon tallied six excellent digs and eight excellent receptions.
Aislinn Alemaña led the Junior Lady Spikers with 10 points, all from attacks, as DLSZ dropped to 2-4 following its third consecutive loss.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Earlier, University of Santo Tomas preserved its share of second place with a straight-set victory over Ateneo de Manila University, 25-13, 25-13, 25-13.
The Junior Golden Tigresses notched their third consecutive win to improve to 5-1.
A 7-1 run late in the final set put UST on the brink of victory at 23-11. Anneli Manzanillo’s well-placed tip moved the Golden Tigresses to match point before Taj Teves finished the match with a kill.
Erin Sotto led all scorers with nine points, including seven attacks, one block, and one service ace. Patricia Mendoza and Nicole Pelaez chipped in seven points apiece, with Mendoza scoring all her points on attacks while Pelaez recorded six attacks and one ace.
Andreaj Tan Chun Bing dished out 13 excellent sets to steer UST’s offense in the 63-minute contest, while Chasliey Pepito tallied eight excellent receptions on 11 attempts.
Ryann Espinosa and Naihma Banal scored five points apiece to lead the Blue Eagles, who fell to 1-5 and remained tied for sixth place.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Later, Adamson University made short work of the University of the Philippines Integrated School, 25-15, 25-21, 25-20, extending its winning streak to five games and preserving its share of second place.
The Lady Baby Falcons improved to 5-1, while the Junior Fighting Maroons dropped to 1-5 and remained tied for sixth.
Jennica Misajon topped the scoring with 15 points on 11 attacks and four service aces, while Kristal Martin added 14 points on 10 attacks, three blocks, and one ace.
Elaine Garces and Alexa Katigbak distributed eight excellent sets apiece in the one-hour-and-12-minute match, while Jarelle Mesa recorded 21 excellent digs and eight excellent receptions on 12 attempts.
Niña Abad stood out for UPIS with 17 points on 15 attacks, one block, and one ace, but the Junior Fighting Maroons suffered their fifth consecutive loss.
