National University’s Bella Belen against Ateneo de Manila University in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA (UPDATED) — National University has locked in the twice-to-beat incentive in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Final 4.
This, after the Lady Bulldogs dominated Ateneo de Manila University, 25-16, 25-15, 25-21, during their Round 2 clash on Palm Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
Bella Belen was at the forefront of NU’s charge anew, putting up 16 points, 13 receptions, and 10 digs, while the returning Alyssa Solomon followed with 12 markers and four digs.
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“Super excited ako na makasama sila ulit, lalo na kanina sa game,” said Solomon who dealt with a minor left ankle sprain. “Pinakita lang namin kung ano yung pinagttrainingan namin over sa mga nakaraang araw. Very happy na nakabalik ako.”
This was National U’s 11th win in 13 games, and they will conclude their elimination round assignments on Sunday, April 27, when they face University of Santo Tomas also at the Big Dome.
But even with the No.1 seed in sight for the Lady Bulldogs, NU head coach Sherwin Meneses emphasized that the most important thing for his squad now is improving more on their balanced attack.
“Napakahalaga na nag tutulungan yung team, lalo na pa-semis na,” he said. “Yun yung pinakaimportante kasi syempre, mahihirap na yung mga games. Happy kami and hopeful na magiging okay yung takbo namin sa remaining games.”
Aside from their main two weapons, Erin Pangilinan scored 12, while Chammy Maaya and Vangie Alinsug each delivered nine markers.
These numbers, as well as NU’s 45-28 advantage over Ateneo on attack points, were made possible by Lams Lamina’s 17 excellent sets.
On the other hand, the already-eliminated Blue Eagles absorbed their fourth straight loss, and they are now at 4-9 in the team standings.
No Atenean finished in double digits as their leading scorers were Lyann de Guzman and AC Miner who both had nine markers.
ADMU’s last game is against University of the East, and that will be on Saturday, April 26, at the same venue.
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