National University extended its unblemished streak to seven games – its best start in school history – after dominating University of the Philippines, 25-10, 25-20, 25-15, in the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball tournament, Thursday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Lady Bulldogs’ previous best start was 6-1, achieving the feat during Seasons 76 and 80.
UP zoomed to a 6-1 start in the third set, but the ever-composed NU responded with a 20-5 counter-blitz to build an insurmountable 21-11 lead en route to the win.
“Kailangan din namin itong panalo na to going to second round kasi momentum namin ito para makapag prepare pa kami sa mas mahirap na darating na second round,” NU head coach Karl Dimaculangan said.
After a forgettable first frame, the Fighting Maroons were able to keep in step with NU in the second, trailing by just three late, 20-23 after a 5-1 UP run but Cess Robles and Erin Pangilinan closed the door with back-to-back hits to move a set away from the sweep.
Mhicaela Belen led the balanced attacks for the Lady Bulldogs with 13 points, all from attacks, while Robles chimed in 12 points of her own.
“Yung team namin is bata pero [itong first round sweep] yung kailangan namin para mamotivate kami lalo sa preparation namin for next round. Yung ibang team marami nang adjustment and familiarity kaya kailangan namin mas mag prepare,” said Dimaculangan.
Middle blocker Ivy Lacsina gathered 11 points while libero Jen Nierva held the fort in defense with 17 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions. She even scored a point off a free ball.
None scored double figures for UP as Niña Ytang and Jewel Encarnacion tallied seven points apiece. Leading scorer Alyssa Bertolano was limited to just five points by NU’s defense.
After a hot three-game winning streak to start the tournament, the Fighting Maroons dropped their next four to fall to 3-4 at sixth.
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