By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs clinched its second win of the ongoing UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament after blanking the Adamson Lady Falcons, 25-17, 25-20, 25-20, on February 28, 2024, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
With the win, the Lady Bulldogs equalized the DLSU Lady Archers’ 2-1 UAAP record for the share of the no. 2 spot in the standings.
When their team needed them the most, the star-studded 1-2 punch of Alyssa Solomon and Bella Belen shone brightly for the Lady Bulldogs.
Solomon kicked off NU’s high-octane offensive fireworks midway through the first set which was picked by Belen in the closing minutes of the match.
After Adamson got into a rhythm in the second set, the Lady Bulldogs went directly to their two big stars and delivered huge scoring wise.
Solomon led the Lady Bulldogs with 17 big points derived from 15 successful attacks backstopped by Belen who chipped in 15 markers, five excellent receptions, and a service ace.
Vange Alinsug also picked up where she left off from their win against Ateneo and added 12 points built from 10 successful attacks.
“Nakakabawi bawi na kahit papaano now that we won in three sets, first time dito sa first round. Hopefully magtuloy-tuloy pa yung magandang kundisyon ng katawan ng mga players namin pati yung mindset,” said NU head coach Norman Miguel.
NU now completely recovered from their opening loss against the rolling UST Growling Tigers and has won two straight matches.
The Lady Bulldogs will look to sustain its momentum and extend their winning streak to three on March 2, 2024, against the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons.
