By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs bounced back from a first-round loss against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses after taking them down in just four sets, 25-16, 25-21, 17-25, 25-14, in the second round of the ongoing UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament last April 26, 2023, held at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
With the much-needed victory, the Lady Bulldogs took over the solo second spot and racked their wins up to 10 games with only three losses.
NU immediately went off to a hot start as their signature blazing offense overwhelmed the Golden Tigresses led by the production of star outside hitter Alyssa Solomon.
The Lady Bulldogs made sure their offensive weapon will set the tone for their attack as NU kept on feeding her with her desired cross-court and 1-2 attack set plays.
Despite the tight coverage UST threw every time setter Camilla Lamina dished the ball to Solomon, the veteran spiker still found a way to complete her attack which led to an early 2-0 lead for NU.
Needing something to spark the Golden Tigresses in an attempt to steal away the momentum, UST decided to vary their approach and went to Imee Hernandez who paid off the trust of the coaching staff.
Skipper Eya Laure then came alive midway through the third set which allowed the Golden Tigresses to keep themselves within striking distance, 2-1.
Just when UST thought they already figured out NU, the Lady Bulldogs had other plans and reverted to feeding Solomon which allowed them to extend their lead to a comfortable cushion at the start of the fourth set.
Laure and Hernandez tried their best to keep up with the Lady Bulldogs in terms of attacking but the trio of Solomon, Vange Alinsug, and Sheena Toring delivered when NU needed them the most.
Solomon led the way for the Lady Bulldogs and scored 17 big points while the duo of Alinsug and Toring chipped in 10 and nine points, respectively.
NU will have the chance to close out their season with another win as they take on the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles on April 29, 2023.
