University of Santo Tomas stunned defending girls champion De La Salle-Zobel, 25-15, 21-25, 25-19, 25-18, while Nazareth School of National University opened its new era under coach Regine Diego with a dominant 25-8, 25-15, 25-18 victory of the University of the Philippines Integrated School in the UAAP Season 82 Girls’ Volleyball Tournament at the FEU-Diliman Gym Saturday.
Renee Lou Peñafiel led the Junior Tigresses with 20 points, Regina Jurado chalked up 12 hits, while last season’s best libero Det Pepito protected the floor well, tallying 21 digs and 11 receptions.
Reigning MVP Angel Canino was the only Junior Lady Spiker in double digits with 12 points.
Team captain Erin Pangilinan spearheaded the Bullpups’ onslaught with 10 points while Mhicaela Belen and Evangeline Alinsug added eight apiece.
“We’ve been preparing for UAAP for the last two weeks pa lang naman kasi after ASEAN, nagrest talaga kami, so it’s a good start even though it’s not the best, kahit na injured si Alyssa (Solomon), we went through naman sa game,” said Diego, who took over from Babes Castillo in the off-season.
Solomon was sidelined with back spasms, but it hardly mattered as NU unloaded 16 service aces which keyed its dominant win.
The Junior Maroons fell at 0-2.
In the other girls’ match, Adamson University escaped past Far Eastern University-Diliman, 15-25, 25-17, 19-25, 25-23, 15-10.
Nikka Medina had 14 points built on 10 attacks, three blocks and an ace for the Baby Tamaraws while Lyann De Guzman contributed 13 markers.
Kate Santiago delivered a game-high 23 points for the Baby Falcons while Raisa Ricablanca and Kyla Cordora chipped in 11 each.
Story by Justin Valencia/UAAP
Photo by Julius Domondon/UAAP
