By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs’ unbeaten streak in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament is still alive after hosting a flawless sweep on the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 25-13, 25-23, 25-22, on March 9, 2025, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
With the win, the reigning and defending UAAP queens remained the only undefeated school in the tournament and extended their unblemished run to five consecutive victories.
Alyssa Solomon picked up where she left off and spearheaded the NU offense with 16 big points in just three sets built from 13 successful attacks.
The current pool member of the Alas Pilipinas Women’s National Volleyball Team was responsible for NU’s hot start in the opening set after a personal offensive avalanche that ballooned their lead to double digits.
After the walk-in-the-park first set, the Lady Bulldogs quickly snatched away the momentum and flaunted its in-court experience against the rebuilding UP squad.
However, the Fighting Maroons played spoiler in the final two sets when they nearly scored an upset through a pair of courageous come-from-behind attempts.
In the second set, the Lady Bulldogs were only two points away from clinching a 2-0 lead but UP managed to dig deep and score points in the clutch to pull within a point, 23-24.
Unfortunately, UP’s Bienne Bansil gifted NU with a freebie when her service attempt kissed outside the line, ending the second set with an uncostly error.
The same scenario happened in the third and final set as the Fighting Maroons stormed back from a 22-16 deficit, courtesy of their timely middle blocking and efficient offense from the backline.
From chasing six points, UP was able to equalize the ball game at 22-all, but the mighty NU squad received clutch hits from Solomon and Celine Marsh that sealed the match with a 3-0 ending scoring run.
Also boosting NU’s win was their veteran outside hitter, Vange Alinsug, who capped off the win with 11 markers derived from nine successful attacks and six excellent digs.
The Lady Bulldogs will have one day of rest before returning to the UAAP hardwood tomorrow, as they take on the Adamson Lady Falcons in the first scheduled match of the doubleheader.
