The NU Lady Bulldogs are a game away from another UAAP title after sweeping the UST Golden Tigresses in Game 1 of the UAAP women’s volleyball Finals.
The NU Lady Bulldogs made quick work of the UST Golden Tigresses, 25-23, 25-20, 25-20 in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball Finals at the Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
After preventing a UST comeback in the opener, and a shaky start after, National U took off midway into Set 2. Trailing 6-10, the Lady Bulldogs unleashed a 10-4 run capped off by an Aly Solomon kill to take a 17-14 advantage against the Tigresses.
Amid the run, UST super rookie Angge Poyos also rolled her right ankle after a bad landing on teammate Em Banagua, which further solidified the set for the NU Lady Bulldogs.
Despite another comeback bid by UST, the Lady Bulldogs would start another 6-2 run thanks to Vange Alinsug and a couple of UST errors to inch closer to set point, 24-19.
After a late service error by Lady Bulldogs captain Erin Pangilinan, Toring proceeded to ice the set for NU, 25-20.
Save for moments of complacency, it was all NU in Set 3 as the Tigresses failed to close the gap all throughout.
“We’re very happy kasi na-apply namin ‘yung mga pinag-trainingan namin and ‘yung parang mga game adjustments namin for UST. And siguro for Game 2, kailangan hindi kami makampante. Kailangan isipin namin na siyempre UST ‘yan, palaban ‘yung team na ‘yan. Kailangan ‘yung mindset namin is kailangan tapusin na namin sa Game 2,” said Bella Belen, who notched 13 points alongside eight perfect digs on the defensive end.
Aly Solomon scored a team-high 17 points for the NU Lady Bulldogs, while Vange Alinsug added 12. Sheena Toring continues her resurgence as she finished with 10 points.
Jonna Perdido also paced UST with 17 points, with Reg Jurado chipping in 10. Due to her injury, Poyos was only able to notch seven points in one and a half sets played.
The NU Lady Bulldogs will now try to secure their second UAAP championship in three seasons in Game 2 of the Finals this Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. UST meanwhile, will attempt to force a decider with or without Angge Poyos.
“Kailangan hindi na namin paabutin ng do-or-die pa. Huwag na kami maghanap ng challenge. Hangga’t kaya namin tapusin ng Game 2, tapusin na namin,” concluded Belen.
Banner Image courtesy of the UAAP Season 86 Media Team.
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