National University did not need much time to impose its dominance over University of the East, winning 25-13, 25-19, 25-16, for its fifth consecutive triumph in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.
All 12 regular rotation players fielded in by coach Norman Miguel entered the scoresheet as the Lady Bulldogs raised their record to 5-1.
The victory served as a good stead for NU going into this Saturday’s Finals rematch with De La Salle at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“Masaya kami kasi nagko-continue yung winning streak tapos nafield in lahat ng mga players namin and then nagperform at nagcontribute ng points,” said Miguel.
The Lady Warriors opened the second set with fire, getting a 6-2 lead but Kaye Bombita, Chams Maaya, and Bella Belen lifted the Lady Bulldogs to a 25-19 for a 2-0 advantage.
Belen tallied another all-around performance, going for 11 points, 10 digs, and five excellent receptions.
“We’re really happy kasi nakita po namin lahat kayang magcontribute sa team and yung team naman po kasi namin, we’re not building a star player, gusto namin lahat kami paangat, gusto namin wala pong maiiwan,” said Belen, emphasizing that everybody can show out in their camp.
Vange Alinsug added nine points, while Aishat Bello and Bombita contributed seven and five points, respectively, in limited minutes.
Camilla Lamina and rookie Abe Pono took turns orchestrating plays for NU with a combined 17 excellent sets.
Casiey Dongallo was limited to a season-low 11 points on a 10-of-52 attack clip and a block for UE.
The Lady Warriors’ slump continued, dropping their fifth straight game for a 1-5 record.
UE will shoot for a skid-breaking win on Sunday against winless University of the Philippines at 4 p.m., also at the Big Dome.
