By NIKOLE JAVIER
Reigning UAAP champion National University launched its title bid in grand style, trouncing Jose Rizal University, 25-14, 25-6, 25-12, in the Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-season Conference Sunday, Oct. 8, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Ahead by just two, 15-13, the Lady Bulldogs then hummed like well-oiled machine and rained the Lady Bombers with whistling shots to jumpstart their title bid in the rebranded tournament.
With the win, NU drew level with Ateneo in Pool C while JRU absorbed its second straight defeat.
Interestingly, Evangeline Alinsug debuted on winning note – thanks to her veteran teammates who cheered on her to get going.
As usual, team captain Cess Robles topscored for NU with 11 points while Minierva Maaya added 10 points. Sydney Niegos and May Ruiz scored six each for JRU.
Meanwhile, La Salle completed a three-game sweep of the preliminaries in Pool D by making short work of Letran, 25-14, 25-9, 25-18.
Julia Coronel scored 12 points off five attacks, six aces and one block.