By Ardyn Gonzales
The National University Lady Bulldogs took down the erstwhile undefeated University of Sto. Tomas Golden Tigresses, 23-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20, in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament, Sunday, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
After narrowly losing the opening set, the Lady Bulldogs quickly retaliated in the next three frames banking on the MVP performance of Bella Belen. Making sure there will be no elimination sweep in Season 86
NU was able to establish a comfortable lead halfway through the fourth set. Up by three in the second technical timeout, Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and Vange Alinsug connived to inch closer to match point.
Angge Poyos tried to pace UST but the best spiking team was too much to handle. After getting a 23-20 lead, Solomon scored a well-placed shot behind the Golden Tigresses’ blockers before scoring a service ace that sealed the win for the Lady Bulldogs.
Motivated by being swept by UST in their first match-up in the first round, Belen made her presence felt with a triple-double output. She delivered team-high 24 points on 21 attacks, two kill blocks, and a service ace on top of 13 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions.
Alinsug and Solomon also had huge contributions with 18 and 17 points, respectively.
Meanwhile, Poyos remained as the top scorer for UST with 18 points as they suffered their first loss this season.
