By Ardyn Gonzales
The defending champions National University Lady Bulldogs survived the challenge posed by the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws in a five-set thriller, 25-15, 23-25, 24-26, 25-23, 15-8, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament, Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The last time NU lost in the UAAP was at the hands of FEU in the Final Four last season, so the Lady Bulldogs knew what the Lady Tamaraws are capable of.
After dominating FEU in the first set, NU struggled with the dominating presence of Lady Tamaraws’ middle blockers and lost the second and third in a tight match-up. Both sets ended via an emphatic block against NU’s Bella Belen.
Facing a 1-2 disadvantage, the defending champs regrouped in the fourth set and pulled off a 5-1 start. NU held on to their lead until FEU gradually came back and tied the match at 19-all. Both teams exchanged points to reach 24-23 with the Lady Bulldogs at set point, but an unfortunate attack error from the Lady Tamaraws gave NU the point to force a decider.
Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and Vange Alinsug all connived in the fifth to quickly build an 8-3 cushion. The Lady Tamaraws made one last stand and cut down the lead 10-7, but NU’s offense and defense were just on point as the lead ballooned to 14-8. Belen finished the match with a well-placed long hit, attacking unguarded FEU’s zone five.
Solomon was unstoppable with 23 points on 19 attacks and four kill blocks. Belen was heavily defended by FEU in the match but was still able to produce 21 points, including the season-high seven service aces. Alinsug completed the productive output of NU’s triumvirate with 19 attacks to go with 15 excellent receptions.
Meanwhile, Jean Asis had another stellar performance for the Lady Tamaraws with 20 points, but she lacked support from their wingers.
NU remains undefeated at 3-0 while FEU suffered their second defeat with a 1-2 record.
Featured image courtesy of UAAP
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