National University just exploded after a close first set against University of the East, 25-23, 25-9, 25-12, for back-to-back wins in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament at Philsports Arena, Sunday.
Lady Bulldogs head coach Karl Dimaculangan was able to field all of his 14 players in the match that lasted just 69 minutes.
Of the 12 players excluding the two libero Jen Nierva and Shaira Jardio, 11 entered the scoring books with Alyssa Solomon leading the pack with 15 points.
Mhicaela Belen dropped 13 points and seven excellent receptions, bouncing back from a scoreless outing against University of the Philippines where she got benched for the second to four sets.
Despite the quick sweep, Dimaculangan pointed out their slow start where the Lady Warriors threatened to take the first frame.
“Slow start kami, maraming error, hindi kami gumagalaw ng tama pero yung second and third set naman medyo nakapagexecute kami nang mas maayos so naging mas maganda yung resulta sa amin,” said Dimaculangan.
Erin Pangilinan also chimed in 10 points of her own while second-stringers Vange Alinsug, Nichole Mata, Myrtle Escanlar, and Chams Maaya also made their presence felt in the third.
NU hiked its record to 4-1 while keeping UE winless in five matches.
Van Bangayan and KC Cepada got seven points apiece for the Lady Warriors while Ja Lana was held to just a point.
UE will aim for win no. 1 against Far Eastern University, the lone team it defeated last season, on Wednesday at the Filoil Ecooil Centre. NU’s next game is also against the Lady Tamaraws on Saturday.
