National University made quick work of Enderun Colleges, 25-19, 25-15, 25-16, for a rousing start in Pool A of the 2024 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Veteran Vange Alinsug and young winger Kaye Bombita led the Lady Bulldogs’ balanced scoring in the one-hour, 18-minute volleyball clinic that sent a clear message to the rest of the field.
The reigning back-to-back SSL Collegiate Preseason Championship titlist had 13 players chipping in on offense with Alinsug hammering 12 of her game-high 14 points from kills.
NU can secure a spot in the knockout quarterfinals of the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Eurotel, Victory Liner and Mikasa with another victory over Xavier University-Northern Mindanao Selection on Friday.
Meanwhile, Letran swept University of San Carlos, 25-22, 25-14, 25-12, in Pool D behind the duo of Nizelle Martin and Lea Tapang.
The Lady Knights wingers scored 10 markers each and combined for 18 of the squad’s 39 kills.
Bombita added 10 points with nine coming off kills while rookie Celine Marsh made her presence felt off the bench with eight points including seven in the second set.
NU, who ruled UAAP Season 86 to gain a spot in the competition, peppered Enderun with 45 attack points and took advantage of its opponent’s spotty reception to score eight aces.
The Lady Bulldogs were so dominant that head coach Norman Miguel only used his main guns Bella Belen, Sheena Toring and Arah Panique sparingly.
“Masaya po kame sa first win namin, especially na ‘yung goal namin for this tournament is maka-gain ng experience and exposure ‘yung mga ibang players especially ‘yung mga rookies,” Miguel said.
“Nakita ko din na nag-lead ‘yung mga seniors sa mga baguhan. Hopefully maging maayos ang performance namin at umabot kame sa finals.”
