NEW-look National U, same winning tradition.
The Lady Bulldogs kicked off their UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball three-peat bid with a 25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 26-24 victory vs. University of Santo Tomas on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The two-time defending champions rolled in a new era under head coach Regine Diego by unveiling reigning UAAP girls’ volleyball MVP Sam Cantada.
The rookie spiker proved good as advertised, scoring seven of NU's last 10 points in the endgame before winding up with 21 points on 17 attacks, three aces, and one block.
All in all, it was a strong opening statement that signaled sustained firepower for the Lady Bulldogs, who begin life minus departed stars Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon.
“We got through a very strong team, but it’s still not the end, as it will be a very long road,” said debuting shot-caller Diego.
“We just have to keep our feet on the ground at kailangan naming maging humble ngayong nasa getting-to-know stage pa kami para mas maging better pa.”
NU look, NU winning ways
There were hardly any shaky moments from the Jhocson side, as they wasted little time asserting control.
National U struck first and quickly pulled away to a 17-8 cushion in the second set, putting itself in prime position for what seemed like an imminent sweep.
But momentum shifted in the third frame, as the Golden Tigresses stormed to a nine-point lead, 17-8, even after team captain Detdet Pepito was forced back to the dugout due to cramps.
The fourth set, however, belonged to Cantada.
The prized prospect unleashed three straight service aces to turn a 19-23 deficit into two blue-and-gold match points, with the Lady Bulldogs eventually sealing the win off Angge Poyos’ attack error.
The 18-year-old Cantada also tallied 14 receptions and drew solid support from team captain Vange Alinsug, who scored 18 points, as well as Arah Panique, who chipped in 15 points along with seven digs.
Poyos led UST in a tough opening loss with 18 points, while Pepito registered 12 digs before her minor fitness setback.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
