NATIONAL University Nazareth School cruised to its fourth consecutive win in the UAAP Season 87 High School Girls’ Volleyball tournament, securing a commanding 25-10, 25-14, 25-17 victory over De La Salle-Zobel on Wednesday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The Lady Bullpups needed just 65 minutes to break away from the logjam, now holding the solo lead with a 5-1 record, just ahead of the Far Eastern University-Diliman Baby Tamaraws and the University of Santo Tomas Junior Golden Tigresses, both at 4-1.
UST and FEU-D will close the first round of eliminations in the Girls’ Division on Saturday at 1 p.m.
Although the Lady Bullpups fended off a late surge from the Junior Lady Spikers in the third set, they finished the match strong with a 5-2 run, thanks to setters Rihanna Chris Navarro and Lyzel Peñol, who effectively found their points of attack.
“Maganda sa ‘min kasi na kahit nag-a-adjust pa ‘yung buong team, nakakuha kami ng mga win. So, expect namin this second round na magiging mas mahirap siya. Magiging mas challenging siguro sa part namin; kailangan lang naming mas mag-prepare rin siguro,” said returning Lady Bullpups head coach Karl Dimaculangan.
With a mix of holdovers and new talents, Dimaculangan praised how his wards stepped up to the challenge but emphasized the need for continued growth, especially as they head into the next phase.
He added, “Since naka-gain na ng lessons ‘yung team pagkatapos nitong first round, malaking bagay na ‘yung preparation namin and ‘yung magiging mentality namin coming into the second round. Since expected namin na mahihirapan kami, ganun pa man, magpe-prepare kami para ‘yung confidence nung mga bata isa madagdagan.”
Denesse Daylisan led the Lady Bullpups with 16 points, featuring 11 attacks, including a crucial kill in the third set to maintain her squad’s lead, as well as five aces—most of which came in the first set, setting the tone for the match. Daylisan also contributed six digs and five receptions.
Diza Berayo supported Daylisan with nine points from seven kills and two blocks, while Jenelyn Jacob added eight points in two sets of play. Peñol delivered nine excellent sets off the bench, following Navarro, who had seven.
DLSZ captain and outside hitter Aislinn Alemania finished in double figures for her squad, scoring 10 points on 10 kills, including two during a third-set comeback attempt, while former skipper Sabine Valdez contributed seven markers.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
In the final match of the day, defending champion Adamson University made quick work of Ateneo, finishing in 50 minutes with a score of 25-6, 25-18, and 25-8. Adamson ended the round with a 4-2 win-loss record, placing them in solo fourth.
Sam Cantada led the titleholders with 12 points, seven of which came from back-breaking aces that put the squad in a prime position for counterattacks. Janna Dizon added eight points, including three blocks, while Sofia Arasan contributed seven excellent sets and five points on four aces.
Althea Ramos collected four points for the Blue Eagles, two of which came from blocks during a second-set run, while Frances Landignon chipped in with three points and three digs.
DLSZ remains outside of the Final Four picture in fifth place with a 2-4 win-loss record to finish the first round, while Ateneo is still searching for its breakthrough win this season, sitting at 0-6.
