23 February 2019
By Ardyn Gonzales
After losing starting setter Joyme Cagande to a high-grade ACL tear, the show must go on for the undermanned National University Lady Bulldogs as they swept the more intact University of the East Lady Warriors in straight sets, 25-19, 25-23, 25-19, in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at the FilOil Flying-V Arena in San Juan.
With no back-up setter in the line-up, NU opted to convert Joni Chavez as the playmaker while another rookie standout Jennifer Nierva took over as the lone libero.
The Lady Bulldogs were able to adjust with the new rotation right away, capitalizing on the slow start of UE to convincingly notch the first set.
UE fought back in the second frame and made things close to build a 23-all deadlock. However, a strong hit by Ivy Lacsina in the middle and an offensive block on Judith Abil gave a 2-0 lead in the match in favor of NU.
Momentum stayed with the Lady Bulldogs in the third set as they quickly pulled away from the struggling Lady Warriors. A well-placed attack from team captain Roselyn Doria sealed the first victory for NU.
Ivy Lacsina was the leading scorer for NU with 16 points, while seniors Roselyn Doria and Audrey Paran connived for 22 points.
Only Judith Abil scored in double-digits for UE with 10 markers as Mean Mendrez continued to struggle, chipping in only 8 attacks for the Lady Warriors.
Follow the writer on Twitter: @sardynas
