National University shrugged off a tumultuous second set to finish off Far Eastern University, 25-17, 13-25, 25-17, 25-20, and earn their fourth straight win in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Wednesday.
Alyssa Solomon unloaded a game-high 25 points on 21 attacks, three blocks, and a service ace she complemented with seven digs to lead the Lady Bulldogs to 4-1 and a share of second spot with De La Salle University.
“Nag-prepare talaga kami really for FEU kasi previous to this game, although natalo sila sa UST but obviously they played a very good match so hindi kami pwede magkaroon ng complacency,” said NU head coach Norman Miguel.
After a disastrous 13-25 second frame, Bella Belen, Vange Alinsug, and Solomon rebounded, taking charge in the third for a 25-17 win to pull the lead back to the Lady Bulldogs.
Then in the fourth, the Lady Tamaraws rallied late but Solomon and Alinsug denied them, scoring the final four points for NU’s win in one hour and 51 minutes.
“Happy ako sa naging performance kanina though nung second set siguro nag-relax din kami,” said Solomon.
Season 84 MVP Belen had another all-around game, making 19 points, 19 digs, and 11 excellent receptions, while Alinsug added 16 points of her own.
Abe Pono, the Lady Bulldogs rookie setter who Miguel said was the game-changer, tossed seven excellent sets and contributed two of her team’s 10 blocks.
Gerzel Petallo got 17 points, 14 excellent receptions, and eight digs as the Lady Tamaraws fell to their second consecutive loss, sliding down to 2-3 at fifth.
Jean Asis also reached double figures with 11 points while Chenie Tagaod and Alyzza Devosora contributed nine and seven points, respectively.
NU will return on Sunday when it faces skidding University of the East while FEU will try to bounce back on Saturday against Adamson University.
