National University moved closer to securing a Final Four berth after making quick work of University of the East, 25-14, 25-14, 25-12, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
As expected, Bella Belen delivered another stellar performance, filling the stats sheet for the Lady Bulldogs’ third straight win for an 8-2 win-loss record that put them a victory away from booking a semifinals seat.
The Season 84 Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player had 13 points from eight kills, four kill blocks and an ace for NU.
She complemented her offensive prowess with a great defensive effort of 10 digs and 10 excellent receptions.
“It’s not just attacking that I have in my mind, I also think of other ways to contribute to the team. As long as I can do my tasks like receive and digs, I’ll give my full effort,” Belen said.
Alyssa Solomon took the scoring mantle for the Lady Bulldogs with 14 points while Vange Alinsug and Chams Maaya made nine and eight markers, respectively.
It took the Lady Bulldogs just one hour and 21 minutes to dominate the Lady Warriors, underscoring their dominance on both ends of the floor.
NU’s defense at the net made UE’s top rookie and the league’s second leading scorer Casiey Dongallo bleed for points while clogging the net with 10 kill blocks aside from six aces. The Lady Warriors had none both.
Dongallo was hitting a solid wall most of the game as she was limited to a season-low six points.
She had a woeful 6-of-43 attack clip as the Lady Warriors slipped to 2-7 at seventh. Riza Nogales also had six kills in the defeat.
In the men’s play, defending champion NU rediscovered its winning ways after beating UE, 25-13, 25-17, 25-22, for an 8-2 slate.
Jade Disquitado delivered a game-high 16 points on 13-of-24 kills while Aringo chipped in 15 points on an efficient 12-of-18 clip in spikes.
Season 85 2nd Best Outside Spiker Michaelo Buddin also made his season debut after recovering from a fractured right hand, making 3-of-7 attacks and six excellent receptions as a second and third set substitute.
Steven Aligayon paced the Red Warriors, who slid to 1-8, with 12 points on 10 attacks, an ace, and a block.
Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas took down Adamson University, 25-17, 25-19, 23-25, 25-23, for a 6-4 slate.
The Falcons dropped to a 4-5 mark.
