NATIONAL University had its backs against the wall for the first time three games into its UAAP Season 87 title defense.
Being the champions that they are, however, the blue-and-gold still wound up with a win.
The Lady Bulldogs extended their unscathed start to three at Far Eastern University’s expense, 25-15, 23-25, 24-26, 25-23, 15-8 on Sunday in a rematch of last year’s Final Four matchup at Mall of Asia Arena.
Alyssa Solomon took charge in National U’s come-from-behind win from 1-2 down with 23 points on 19 attacks and four blocks.
Reigning MVP Bella Belen was a force from the service area with seven aces to cap her 21-point game along with 12 digs. She fell one ace shy of matching the league's all-time single-game serving record at eight which she set in her rookie year in Season 84.
Also proving her worth as the future of the Lady Bulldogs’ offense was Vange Alinsug with 19 points and 15 receptions.
Lady Tamaraws stopped dead in their tracks
The Lady Tamaraws, on the other hand, dropped back-to-back games since taking down Season 86 finalist and longtime rival University of Santo Tomas in four sets on opening weekend.
Jean Asis paced the loss with 20 points built on 16 attacks, three blocks and one ace behind a defensive double-double from Gerz Petallo with 19 receptions, 11 digs and six markers.
Yet for NU head coach Sherwin Meneses, nothing about FEU's brave five-set effort surprised him or the defending champions one bit.
'Expected ko naman talaga yung FEU na talagang contender din talaga sila ngayon. Ready lang kami sa lahat ng situation na mangyayari, lamang kami or hindi, yung composure dapat lagi lang nandyan kasi talagang syempre maraming teams talaga na gustong-gustong talunin yung NU.
In the end, the Lady Bulldogs' veteran championship experience proved to be their slightest winning edge.
"Senior na talaga yung team namin. Nandyan sila palagi sa mga crucial point na hinahanap ng team kaya happy kami at nakarecover kami."
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