Bella Belen and the NU Lady Bulldogs in a game against La Salle Lady Spikers in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net
National University remained perfect after sweeping their head-to-head matches against La Salle in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
In their second encounter this season, the Lady Bulldogs hammered in a 25-19, 22-25, 25-20, 25-18 decision on the Lady Spikers to surge to an 8-0 card behind Bella Belen’s 23 points scattered from 17 attacks, four blocks, and two aces, a performance that also featured 17 excellent receptions.
HIGHLIGHTS: UAAP Season 87 volleyball – NU vs La Salle, FEU vs UST
“Composure is the key—whether we’re down, tied, or ahead, it has to always be there because there are no easy games anymore,” coach Sherwin Meneses said. “Every team is improving, so we just have to be ready for whatever situation comes our way.”
“Our match wasn’t easy at all; we really struggled against La Salle because they have a solid system,” Belen added. “We expected this game to be much tougher than in the first round, so our focus was just to find a way to win … Our goal remains the same—to win.”
Bella Belen and the NU Lady Bulldogs in a game against La Salle Lady Spikers in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net
Belen joined hands with Alyssa Solomon, who contributed 19 points also out of 17 kills, a block and an ace. Vange Alinsug added 11 points and 13 excellent digs as Lams Lamina dished out 21 excellent sets.
“For our part, we can’t afford to be complacent, especially since every team is chasing us,” Solomon said. “We’ll immediately work on the lapses we had today—it’s all about mindset for us.”
READ: UAAP: Bella Belen leads women’s volleyball MVP race after round 1
“Coach always reminds us about composure, no matter how far behind or ahead the score is,” Lamina added. “One thing I really learned today was to be patient because the match was definitely not easy—the other team fought hard as well.”
Shaira Jardio did her part with 15 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions.
Erin Pangilinan pushed NU to a 19-15 advantage in the fourth set before Angel Canino and Amie Provido scored back-to-back for La Salle. Belen delivered a kill off the block as Canino and Shevana Laput had crucial attack errors that put NU at 23-17.
Shane Reterta landed a chance ball but Solomon hammered in a cross-court kill to bring the Lady Bulldogs to match point followed by a point by Arah Panique.
Shevana Laput tried to lift La Salle with her 19 points with Canino by her side, inputting 15 points and 21 excellent receptions. Lyka de Leon had 11 excellent digs and 16 excellent receptions.
The Lady Spikers now have similar records of 5-3 with University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University.
NU guns to keep the hot streak going facing University of the Philippines on Wednesday at FilOil EcoOil Centre.
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Next Saturday, La Salle looks to bounce back battling Golden Tigresses on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
