By: Justine Anne Gaerlan
National University-Nazareth School stretched its unbeaten run to four games in the UAAP Season 89 High School Girls’ Volleyball Tournament, sweeping the University of the Philippines Integrated School, 25-13, 25-8, 25-15, on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym in Loyola Heights, Quezon City.
The defending champions remained atop the standings, while the Junior Fighting Maroons dropped to 1-3 and remained in a tie for sixth place after absorbing their third straight loss.
NUNS broke away from UPIS in the third set with a five-point run for a 12-8 lead, with Jhezia Giducos delivering two aces and Kean Cabañog adding a string of attacks. The Lady Bullpups continued to pull away from there, building a lead as wide as 10 points before an UPIS attack error put them at match point.
The Fighting Maroons then committed a miscommunication on the ensuing rally after a free ball from Danielle Tulabut, handing NUNS the victory.
“Anytime ready naman yung mga players namin para hindi naman din sila nabi-bitin. Kita namin sobrang dami nga naming error. So ‘yun ‘yung kailangan naming i-improve pa individually and mga skill na ‘di dapat mangyari. So back to training lang ulit muna,” said NUNS head coach Karl Dimaculangan.
“Sabi ko nga sa kanila, consistency is how long pa rin at kung gaano ka rin ka-disciplinado. So in and outside the court preparation, ‘yung mga ganung bagay ‘yung nire-remind ko lagi sa kanila.”
Xyz Rayco set the tone with a game-high 14 points, piling up eight attacks, four aces, and two blocks in the 56-minute rout. Jhaynna Bulandres backed her up with 10 points on four aces, three attacks, and three blocks, while Jaila Adrao added nine points.
Micaella Gould and Irish Mahinay helped keep NUNS’ offense moving with 11 excellent sets each, while Ghenievib Belen collected six excellent digs from the back row.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Later, the University of Santo Tomas shook off its loss to the defending champions with a 25-23, 25-14, 25-12 victory over De La Salle Zobel to retain its share of second place.
The Junior Golden Tigresses improved to 3-1, while the Junior Lady Spikers dropped to 2-2 and remained in a tie for fourth place.
UST continued to dictate the third set, stretching its lead to 16-7 behind a five-point scoring burst highlighted by two quick attacks and a block from Erin Sotto. The Junior Golden Tigresses maintained their command to the finish, scoring the final four points as Patricia Mendoza delivered back-to-back attacks to wrap up the match.
”Marami pa kaming dapat ayusin, especially yung service namin, ‘yung passing. Those things kailangan namin mas mapataas pa ‘yung level ng consistency. Kasi ‘yun talaga kasi ‘yung naging problema so far, ‘yung consistency ng tamang galaw,” said UST head coach Kungfu Reyes.
“Mindset-wise, up and down naman yan. So kailangan lang ‘yung composure ng mga bagets, ‘yun ang kailangan naming maayos pa.”
Nicole Pelaez and Mendoza spearheaded UST’s balanced scoring with 11 points each. Pelaez registered 10 attacks and a block, while Mendoza contributed eight attacks and three blocks. Former Junior Lady Spiker Sotto chipped in nine points off three attacks, three blocks, and three aces.
Lianne Sanchez kept the attack in rhythm with 11 excellent sets, while Chasliey Pepito held down the floor with six excellent digs and six excellent receptions in the match that lasted an hour and eight minutes.
Aislinn Alemaña shouldered DLSZ’s offense with a team-high 15 points, all coming from attacks, in the losing effort.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Earlier, Adamson University needed just 52 minutes to stretch its winning streak to three games, sweeping the University of the East, 25-16, 25-8, 25-8.
The Lady Baby Falcons improved to 3-1, while the Junior Lady Warriors remained winless after four games.
Ella Gonzalvo kept the pressure on from start to finish, firing nine attacks and six service aces for a game-high 15 points. Jennica Misajon was right behind with nine points on seven attacks, a block, and an ace.
Alexa Katigbak took care of the distribution with eight assists, while Jarelle Mesa contributed 15 digs and four excellent receptions to the team’s floor defense.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Later, Far Eastern University-Diliman continued its climb with a second straight win, sweeping Ateneo de Manila University, 25-18, 26-24, 25-15, to improve to 2-2 and join the tie for fourth place.
MJ Udeagbala led the Lady Baby Tamaraws’ charge once again with 17 points on 16 attacks and an ace, while Joeyana Bongo pitched in 15 points, including 12 attacks and three aces.
Charlene Balandra steered the offense with 18 excellent sets, while Querstin Paragas paced the defense with 14 excellent digs and six excellent receptions in the match that lasted an hour and 11 minutes.
Jhenica Sadia was the lone bright spot for the Blue Eagles, recording 12 points on 11 attacks and an ace, as Ateneo remained tied for sixth place with a 1-3 slate.
