By Ardyn Gonzales
The National University Lady Bulldogs surpassed the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles in the first five-setter match in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball, 25-17, 24-26, 26-28, 25-19, 15-7, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
After winning the first set, the Lady Bulldogs struggled in the next two frames, losing in the tight extended sets.
Down 1-2, NU showed composure in the fourth through the firepower of Bella Belen and Vange Alinsug. The combination plays of the Lady Bulldogs worked and gave space for the wingers to disrupt the defense pattern of Ateneo.
NU did not look back in the fifth as the quickly built an 8-3 lead. Rookie Arah Panique replaced Alyssa Solomon in the rubber set and helped extend the lead to six, 10-4.
Alinsug and Belen then exchanged points to bring the Lady Bulldogs to match point, followed by a block on Lyann De Guzman to complete the come-from-behind win.
Former rookie-MVP Bella Belen dropped 21 points on 18 attacks and three kill blocks to go with 24 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions for a triple-double performance.
Vange Alinsug and Cham Maya were not far behind with 19 and 15 points, respectively.
Meanwhile, Ateneo had an impressive performance with four players finishing in double-digits led by senior Sophia Buena who registered UAAP career-high 16 points. AC Miner also added 14 points.
NU is now 1-1 after getting their first win as the Lady Eagles fall down to 0-2.
Featured image courtesy of UAAP
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