National University avenged its first round loss to University of Santo Tomas in the biggest of ways.
The Lady Bulldogs handed the Golden Tigresses their first defeat of UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, 23-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20, in front of 10,947 fans inside the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Sunday evening.
NU hiked its record to 7-2, still at third and is just a game behind league-leading UST, which fell to 8-1. Currently at second is De La Salle University at 7-1.
“I’m very happy lang po kasi lahat sa amin talagang ginusto manalo sa laro na ito. Lagi ko kasing sinasabi sa teammates ko kanina, wala pa silang talo so mas masarap manalo,” said Season 84 MVP Bella Belen, who dropped a game-high 24 points on 21 attacks, two blocks, and an ace to go with 13 digs and 10 receptions.
The Golden Tigresses entering the losing column also means that there would be a traditional Final Four.
After giving up a tight first set, a different Lady Bulldogs squad emerged from the huddle to equalize, 25-17.
Then NU just responded to every UST run in the third frame as Vange Alinsug and Belen connived to take the 2-0 lead, 25-21.
The Golden Tigresses tried to rally back in the fourth with Regina Jurado leading the way but Alyssa Solomon retaliated for the Lady Bulldogs, nailing a drop ball and a service ace to finish the game in two hours and 18 minutes.
“Before kasi magstart yung season gustong-gusto talaga namin manalo pero hindi namin inexpect na ganon yung performance namin nung first game sa UST so ngayon, bumunga naman yung pinaghihirapan namin kahit minsan sa training may nalulungkot pero sobrang saya ko po ngayon,” said an emotional Alinsug, who made 18 points on 14 spikes, three aces, and a block.
Solomon also breached double figures with 17 points as Shaira Jardio shone defensively with 23 excellent receptions and 10 digs.
With its first loss of the season, UST fail to match its finest start of 9-0 during its 2006-07 championship run.
NU will now shift its focus during the Holy Week break to University of the East, which it will face on April 3 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Poyos paced the Golden Tigresses with 18 points but went 18-of-46 in her attacks. She also tallied 14 excellent receptions.
Jurado was the only other UST player in double digits with 11 as head coach Kungfu Reyes tried to find the right combination throughout the game by using all 14 players.
The Golden Tigresses will seek to rebound on April 3 as well against Adamson University Lady Falcons.
