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National University against Ateneo de Manila University in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball. UAAP Media.
MANILA (UPDATED) — Arah Panique and Sam Cantada led National University as it swept Ateneo de Manila University to return to the win column in UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball.
The Lady Bulldogs secured their seventh win in 10 games and reclaimed solo second in the team standings after a 25-19, 25-16, 25-15 victory on Saturday at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.
The win allowed National U to recover from its five-set loss to Far Eastern University on Sunday, with Panique firing 13 points and five digs, while Cantada added nine points built on five aces, three attacks, and one block.
"That's the goal, to bounce back," said Lady Bulldogs head coach Regine Diego. "I'm very happy because everybody got the chance to perform well today."
Veteran setter Camilla Lamina also stepped up, dishing out 12 excellent sets while adding three points, as Vange Alinsug and Cham Maaya chipped in six markers apiece.
NU leaned on its edge in attacks, 32-28, and capitalized on Ateneo's 25 errors while only committing 17 of its own.
Cantada's service also proved crucial. Trailing 17-19 in the opening set, the rookie sparked an eight-to-nothing closing run behind her aces to seal the frame and set the tone for the match.
Cantada accounted for five of NU's eight service aces, while Ateneo managed just three.
Ateneo's struggles continued as it absorbed its ninth loss in 10 games, with Zel Tsunashima, Donna De Leon, and Jihan Chautico finishing with nine, eight, and seven points, respectively.
The Blue Eagles are now eliminated from Final Four contention.