By NIKOLE JAVIER
National University opened its title defense campaign in dominant fashion, overpowering Ateneo, 25-15, 25-20, 25-16, at the start of the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Lady Bulldogs, who breezed through the first set, managed to turn back the Blue Eagles’ attempt to recover in the third set to bring themselves to their 19th straight win dating back to the shortened Season 82.
Alyssa Solomon delivered 12 points built on 10 attacks, one block and an ace in the straight-set win, while team captain Cess Robles added 11 markers.
“Malaking bagay sa amin to. Parang fresh start kasi mindset naman namin every game pa rin [like] last season hanggang sa nag-championship. Ngayon panibago uit iyong goal namin. Para tuluy tuloy lang kaming mag-improve,” aid NU head coach Karl Dimaculangan.
Alexis Miner paced Ateneo with nine points, while Gandler and Nisperos had eight points each.
Earlier, Adamson made quick work of University of the East, 25-19, 25-9, 25-5, to jumpstart its own title bid. The Lady Falcons were overpowering in almost all facets of the game, needing just 63 minutes to wrap up the match to the delight of their supporters.
Meantime, the UE Red Warriors marked the return of the men’s volleyball with a sweep of Adamson, 25-18, 25-22, 25-14.