NATIONAL U overcame a tough first set before cruising past Ateneo, 25-19, 25-16, 25-15, to bounce back in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Saturday.
The Blue Eagles built a late 19-17 lead in the opening set, but the Lady Bulldogs responded with a strong surge.
Sam Cantada’s powerful serves, coupled with Alexa Mata’s net defense and blue-and-white errors, sparked an eight-point unanswered run that secured NU the first set, 25-19.
From there, it was all Lady Bulldogs, as they dominated to close out the match in just 90 minutes.
“That’s the goal. Everybody’s goal is to bounce back and get up after you fall. I’m very happy because everybody gets to perform well today,” said head coach Regine Diego, as they were coming off a tough five-set reverse sweep at the hands of FEU.
“Since galing po kami sa talo, ang mindset lang po talaga namin ay mag-bounce back and play as one team,” said two-time best setter Lams Lamina, who recorded 11 excellent sets and three points in just two sets of action.
Lady Bulldogs bounce back
The win marked a dominant rebound for the two-time defending champions, improving their record to 7-3 and moving into solo second, ahead of the idle Lady Tamaraws.
Arah Panique led National U with 13 points and five digs, while Cantada contributed 10 points, including five aces, four spikes, and a block, along with 12 receptions and six digs.
Vange Alinsug and Chams Maaya added six points each, as Shaira Jardio shone on the floor with 11-of-15 excellent digs and 8-of-11 excellent receptions.
Zel Tsunashima paced Ateneo, now out of Final Four contention at 1-9. with nine points, while middle blockers Donna De Leon and Jihan Chuatico added eight and seven points, respectively.
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