NATIONAL U is streaking heading into its finals rematch with La Salle, as the Lady Bulldogs breezed past winless Ateneo, 25-18, 25-18, 25-15, Sunday inside the Araneta Coliseum.
Vange Alinsug and Arah Panique showed the way once more in the two-time defending champions' back-to-back wins ahead of their first meeting with the Lady Spikers, presently the undefeated pacesetters of UAAP Season 88.
Alinsug delivered the goods all over the mat with 18 points from 14 attacks alongside seven digs, as Panique provided 10 markers of her own.
"Sa team kasi namin, siyempre, 'di dapat mawala yung grit. Kilala ko naman teammates ko, gusto namin lahat manalo, so ilaban lang namin nang ilaban," said Alinsug, also their skipper.
Prized prospect Sam Cantada was back in action following a one-game absence due to injury and also added six points and seven receptions, while Shaira Jardio took care of defense with 11 digs and five receives.
NU was never threatened, as no set lasted more than 35 minutes.
Finish the first round
Now, the Lady Bulldogs turn their attention to a showdown with modern-day rival La Salle, which has dropped just one set through five wins in as many games.
"La Salle is La Salle, but NU is also NU. We still have that championship mentality," said rookie head coach Regine Diego, who will be facing off with former mentor Ramil de Jesus.
"It's an honor to share the court with him. Hopefully, he's proud of me that I'm here."
On the other hand, the Blue Eagles remain locked out of the win column after six tries despite the best efforts of Ana Hermosura and Donna De Leon who each got seven points.
Ateneo's last shot at a win in the first round will come against likewise 0-6 University of the East.
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