NU crushes UPIS to open title-retention bid

Nazareth School of National University kicked off its back-to-back championship bid in style with a quick work of University of the Philippines Integrated School, 25-11, 25-11, 25-14, Monday in the UAAP Season 85 high school girls' volleyball tournament at the Paco Arena in Manila.

Despite parading new faces since completing a 16-0 sweep of Season 82 back in 2019, the Lady Bullpups remained to be a dangerous crew out to flaunt their dominance once again.

Bienne Bansil, Celine Marsh, and setter Abegail Pono led the charge as NSNU made a strong statement of its intentions to keep the crown on its head.

"Actually, we're excited. Me and the entire team are excited for the UAAP," shared new Lady Bullpups head coach Vilet Ponce De Leon. "Kasi yung mga bata ito yung pinag-eensayuhan nila especially kami sa NU, this is our main tournament. We played last year in various tournaments pero hinihintay pa rin namin 'tong tournament na 'to kasi parang ito yung pinaka-icing on the cake."

De Leon, though, admitted that her wards are still a work in progress.

"Actually, it's not at par sa expectation namin. Siguro sa jitters na lang din, at siguro sa excitement nila. Naninigas and andaming factors na pwede naming ituro, but still, ang bottom line, we're not at par sa expected namin. But, thankful pa rin kami, dahil nanalo kami," she added.

Meanwhile, perennial contender University of Santo Tomas took care of De La Salle-Zobel School, 25-13, 25-7, 25-21, to cap the quadruple-header opening playdate.

Earlier, Season 82 runner-up Adamson University shook off a rusty start before subduing Far Eastern University in straight sets, 27-25, 25-20, 25-17.