NATIONAL University avoided a huge upset by turning back Ateneo in a thriller, 25-17, 24-26, 26-28, 25-19, 15-7, in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday evening.
In the set that mattered most, the Lady Bulldogs rediscovered their form behind Bella Belen and Vange Alinsug to complete their escape from the Blue Eagles in two hours and 23 minutes.
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"I think this is unpopular for everyone. Sa tingin ko ngayon pa lang nagsstart magrecover yung team coming from University Games and after that tuloy tuloy kami sa training, we had series of practice games against the top club teams," said returning NU head coach Norman Miguel.
"Para sa akin, I think medyo kulang pa sa recovery 'yung team namin that's why we performed like this."
The Lady Bulldogs, who fell to University of Santo Tomas in straight sets on opening weekend, rose to a 1-1 slate.
"Isa po sa pinaghuhugutan namin or ako is yung pagkatalo namin nung last game namin against UST. Mahirap po yung pinagdaanan namin ngayon pero I'm really happy kasi halos lahat ng nasa lineup nagamit and nakita namin kung ano yung potential ng mga bago namin," said Belen, who finished with 21 points, 24 digs, and 10 excellent receptions.
Alinsug complemented Belen with 19 points of her own while Chams Maaya dropped 15 points on nine spikes, five blocks, and a service ace.
Alyssa Solomon, who did not play in the fifth set, still had 12 markers.
Meanwhile, sophomore spiker Sophia Buena carried the fight for the Blue Eagles with 16 points while AC Miner and Geezel Tsunashima added 14 and 12 points, respectively.
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