By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs made quick work of the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), 25-22, 25-16, 25-15, in the ongoing UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on April 10, 2024, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
With the dominating victory, the Lady Bulldogs just racked its winning streak to four straight games while improving their UAAP record to nine wins and two losses.
On the other hand, the struggling Ateneo squad who is still trying to find their identity this season crashed to a disappointing 3-8 win-loss record.
Alyssa Solomon was too much to handle for Ateneo as the NU outside hitter put on a spectacular offensive show during the three-set encounter.
The veteran spiker paced the Lady Bulldogs with 23 big points derived from 21 successful attacks alongside six excellent receptions, four excellent digs, and a service ace.
The Lady Bulldogs quickly went to Solomon after getting into an early streak with her attacks, converting two straight down-the-line hits while capping her mini-run with a drop ball in the left- side corner.
After Solomon’s eruption, NU began to fire from all cylinders to snatch the momentum of the game away from Ateneo midway through the first set.
During the last two sets, it was then all NU as Vange Alinsug joined the hitting party, closing out the win in emphatic fashion with back-to-back back-row conversions.
Alinsug backstopped Solomon with 15 points built from 13 successful attacks to go alongside eight excellent receptions and two service aces.
On April 14, 2024, the Lady Bulldogs will look to close out their second-round campaign and enter the playoffs on a high note as they seek to bounce back against the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers.
