The National University Lady Bulldogs, after losing for the first time this season, bounced back against the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons in straight sets, 25-23, 25-23, 25-17 in UAAP Women’s Volleyball, Sunday, at FilOil Flying-V Arena in San Juan City.
Before quickly winning the third frame and the match, NU had to survive the late rallies of UP to take the first two sets.
After stealing the lead, the Lady Bulldogs cruised to a 22-18 advantage with an off-the-block hit of Audrey Paran. Isa Molde then took over for the Lady Maroons to cut down the deficit to one, but Rem Cailing touched the net and gave away the set to NU.
It was the same story in the second set, asNU saw their 17-14 lead erased halfway through the set with a 5-0 run by UP. The Lady Bulldogs responded right away and stole the lead at 23-21 with Jaja Santiago doing the damage. Isa Molde tried to keep the Lady Maroons alive again, but they fell short once more with another error.
Jaja Santiago led NU with 17 points, while Risa Sato added 10 markers.
Meanwhile, the tandem of Tots Carlos and Isa Molde carried the scoring duties for UP once again, conniving for 26 points.
NU ended the first round of elimination rounds atop the standings with a 6-1 slate, their best record in the first round in recent memory.
Player of the Game: Jaja Santiago, 17 points (16 attacks and 1 block)
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