By MARK REY MONTEJO
Reigning champion National University was just glad to overcome an acid test against an equally talented University of Santo Tomas Sunday, March 16.
The Lady Bulldogs survived a rollercoaster ride in front of the 12,790 crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, bleeding for every point en route to a 23-25, 25-17, 19-25, 25-18, 15-9 win against the Golden Tigresses to sweep the first round of the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.
NU was on the verge of a huge collapse but managed to show its championship poise that won them the Season 86 title against the very same team.
“Masaya kami na-experience namin ‘yong labanan, talagang hindi nagpapatalo ‘yong UST, happy ako kasi naka-recover kami [kahit] down kami 2-1,” said NU head coach Sherwin Meneses. “Happy kami kasi nakuha namin ‘yong panalo.”
“Hindi siya naging madali for us kasi palaban ‘yong UST and thankful ako sa mga teammates ko kasi ‘di sila bumitaw hanggang dulo, nag-stick lang kami sa plan namin,” Bella Belen added.
It was the second time NU had a five-set game after a similar challenge brought by FEU. The Sampaloc-based squad swept the other UAAP teams to carry a pristine record heading into the second round of eliminations.
Alyssa Solomon finished with 24 points, Beland with 19, and Vange Alinsug 17. Erin Pangilinan also contributed 12 points while setter Lams Lamin registered 33 excellent sets.
Regina Jurado came as the figure of offense for UST with 16, while Angge Poyos (13) and Cassie Carballo (10) took the supporting role in their defeat.
“‘Yong panalo today, hindi talaga sya naging madali… inaral talaga nila (UST) ‘yong galaw namin and binigay nila ‘yong best nila, and very happy kami na pinusuan namin ‘yong game,” Solomon said.
