UAAP: National U makes quick work of Ateneo for second straight win

Bella Belen in action for National University against Ateneo de Manila University during their UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Round 1 matchup. Photo from UAAP Media MANILA — National University made quick work of Ateneo de Manila University for its second straight victory in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.

The Bella Belen-starred Lady Bulldogs tallied a 25-23, 25-18, 25-13 win against the Blue Eagles during their Wednesday morning faceoff at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

“Total team effort yung nangyari,” said NU coach Sherwin Meneses on his second win with the hitters from Jhocson Street. “Pero hopefully mag-improve pa yung team effort namin.”

Alyssa Solomon finished with 12 points to lead all scorers, Vange Alinsug and Bella Belen followed with 10 and nine, respectively, while Lams Lamina tossed 14 of NU’s 19 excellent sets with two points.

“Sobrang happy ko sa ginagawa ng team, but still, marami pa kaming ii-improve lalo na sa mga unnecessary errors namin sa game,” commented Lamina. “Yun ang part ng game na ii-improve pa namin.”

It was all NU right from the first serve, and what helped them dominate the victory were their advantages on the blocks and service department, 10-0, and 5-0, respectively.

Lamina herself had a better game in terms of playmaking than the whole ADMU squad as her 14 was more than the Blue Eagles’ 11 total sets.

On the other hand, the short-handed Ateneans were led by Alexia Montoro and Lyann De Guzman who finished with nine markers each. Unfortunately, these went for naught as they absorbed their second straight loss after this contest.

ADMU will be completing Season 87 sans Zel Tsunashima and JLo Delos Santos. The former broke her fibula and tibia in their game this past weekend vs. Adamson University, while the latter is recovering from the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear that she suffered just before the season.

Meanwhile, the reigning champions will be back in action on Sunday, February 23, against Far Eastern University at the Mall of Asia Arena. Ateneo will also see action on that day when it faces its Katipunan neighbor University of the Philippines.

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