Lady Bulldogs remind everyone they’re still tough to beat
There are days when National University plays like its title defense is in trouble.
Saturday wasn’t one of those days.
Eager to prove it is way better than its record—or even some of its results—suggests, the defending champions crushed Ateneo, 25-19, 25-16, 25-15, in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Saturday afternoon.
“Since coming off that loss, we only had one thing on our minds and that was to bounce back,” setter Lams Lamina said. “That” defeat was to Far Eastern U, which pinned a third loss on the Lady Bulldogs last week.
“We knew we had to play as a team and I’m very happy because now, from the veterans to the kids, everyone is enjoying themselves.”
There was little concern on the side of the Lady Bulldogs after they built a 2-0 set advantage over the Blue Eagles. And they never lifted their foot off the gas pedal after that.
NU raced to a 12-6 lead in the third set. And when an error from allowed Ateneo to go on a rally of sorts to cut the deficit to five, 15-10, the Lady Bulldogs proved unshakeable.
NU went on a 7-2 run to erect a 22-12 advantage that practically sewed up the game.
The Lady Bulldogs rose to a 7-3 (win-loss) record to stay well inside the Final Four circle.
“We’re lucky to have all of these players who are all skillful. We’re thankful for that, but hopefully, we get more consistency in the next few games because we all know it’s crucial,” coach Regine Diego said.
Arah Panique topscored for NU with 13 points. Sam Cantada, meanwhile, added nine built on four attacks, five aces and a block. Lamina also set up the offense with 11 excellent sets.
The Blue Eagles are reeling to a 1-9 card.
Earlier, Adamson bolstered its Final Four hopes after sweeping the University of the East, 25-15, 25-18, 28-26.
The Lady Falcons improved to a 6-4 record to sit at solo fourth above the University of Santo Tomas (5-4). UE, meanwhile, remained winless in the season after 10 games.
Frances Mordi led the attack for Adamson with 18 points, while Shaina Nitura also had 13 markers built on eight attacks, three blocks and two aces.
