National University recovered from a second-set meltdown to book a 25-21, 30-32, 25-17, 25-19 win over University of the Philippines in Season 86 University Athletic Association of the Philippines women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Vange Alinsug made her presence felt while Michaela Belen chipped in impressive numbers for the Lady Bulldogs, who opened their second-round campaign with a bang en route to collecting their sixth win in eight matches.
Alinsug fired 20 attacks, three aces and a block to finish with 24 points while Belen added 21 markers to lift NU in the thrilling battle, especially in the extended second set that lasted for 41 minutes.
But Belen said they can’t afford to drop a match as the race to the Final Four heats up.
“I believe that we shouldn’t stop until we get the goal that we want, especially now that we already have two losses in the season,” said Belen, bracing for an all-out war against powerhouse University of Santo Tomas on Sunday.
“We cannot afford to lose anymore.”
Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University and NU also kicked off their second-round campaigns on a high note as they overcame their respective foes in the men’s division.
The Blue Eagles booked a thrilling 22-25, 26-24, 25-23, 26-28, 15-9 win over UST while the Bulldogs made short work of UP, 25-23, 25-22, 25-16.
Jian Salarzon caught fire in the deciding set while Ken Batas three of their last five points to lift the Blue Eagles to the thrilling victory that came at the heels of their back-to-back losses to Adamson University and Far Eastern University.
Salarzon engaged reigning Most Valuable Player Josh Ybañez in a scoring duel, finishing with 32 points built on 29 attacks, two blocks and an ace.
Meanwhile, Ybañez, the heart and soul of the UST attack, delivered 33 points with 13 receptions and 10 digs for the Golden Spikers, who also bowed to the Blue Eagles in five sets in the first round last 9 March.
Batas also delivered 25 points while Amil Pacinio had 10 points, 26 receptions, and 14 digs.
“We’re very happy that we were able to win a game again, especially that we’re coming from back-to back losses in our last two games in the first round,” Blue Eagles coach Timothy Sto. Tomas said, crediting their win on their excellent game plan against the Golden Spikers.
“I think we did good on studying UST, and they’re always one of the teams being eyed to make it to the finals. Going up against them is always a challenge for us and this will push us forward to be better.”
