By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs began its second round campaign on a high note after disposing the University of the Philippines (UP), 25-21, 30-32, 25-17, 25-19, in the ongoing UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on March 20, 2024, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
After a shaky second-set performance that allowed the Fighting Maroons to equalize the match at 1-1, the Lady Bulldogs reclaimed their lost spark midway through the third frame to get back on track and sweep the last two sets.
Former UAAP Rookie Most Valuable Player (MVP) Bella Belen spearheaded the NU rally after tallying 21 big points built from 23 successful attacks.
Known for her offensive firepower, Belen not only contributed in the scoring department but also chipped in 14 excellent receptions and eight excellent digs.
It was Belen who sparked NU’s great start in the third after coming from a disappointing second-set meltdown.
After converting back-to-back down-the-line spikes, Belen also fired several back row hits that swelled NU’s advantage to as much as nine points.
UP tried to claw their way back in the fourth and final set after holding their line with their floor coverage but NU’s attack proved to be too much as they jumped ahead with a six-point lead.
Backstopping Belen was opposite hitter Vange Alinsug who reached the 24-point mark built from 20 successful attacks alongside three service aces and a block.
“Yung UP talagang lumaban po sila and talagang ipinakita po nila kung ano yung kaya nilang gawin against us,” said Belen after their win.
The Lady Bulldogs will now take a much-deserved break before staging another showdown with the UST Golden Tigresses on March 24, 2024, at the Big Dome.
