NATIONAL University rookie libero Jennifer Nierva is confident the Lady Bulldogs have what it takes to stop the surging Ateneo Lady Eagles on Saturday in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at the Arena in San Juan.
Their confidence boosted with a five-set win over University of the Philippines, the rookie-laden Lady Bulldogs look to end their first round with a win against the Lady Eagles, who have won five straight.
Nierva noted that the Lady Eagles are much more experienced with Kat Tolentino, Bea De Leon and Maddie Madayag leading the way, but insisted that the young Lady Bulldogs can bring down big teams.
“I will respect the five straight wins nila and then lahat kasi sa loob ng Ateneo is senior,” said the 19-year-old rookie.
“‘Yung isip namin pag nakatapak na kami doon, kailangan hindi namin iniisip na rookie kami, mapapantayan namin ano ang ibibigay nila,” Nierva said.
NU is in sixth at 2-4, and coach Norman Miguel is hoping the team led by Ivy Lacsina can start a winning streak and trim the gap on the leaders.
“Ganoon pa rin pusong palaban, celebrate every point pag nakapoint ka sa Ateneo,” Miguel said. “Well actually talaga ang nilalaro nila (Ateneo), malinis ‘yung skills nila diba kaya siyempre derederetso rin sila.”
“Siguro kami naman, matchup lang talaga. Iyon naman ginagawa namin every game, match up lang din namin every position nila, saan ‘yung direction ng mga atake nila, saan ang direction ng serve nila,” he added.
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