Games today:
(MOA Arena)
10 a.m. — UP vs FEU (men's)
12 p.m. — UP vs FEU (women's)
2 p.m. — UST vs La Salle (women's)
4 p.m. — UST vs La Salle (men's)

National University sent a clear message to the rest of the field of its intention to keep its hold of the throne.

The defending champions sank their teeth deep into the neck of Ateneo de Manila University early and never let go to complete a 25-15, 25-20, 25-16, sweep yesterday in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 women's volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Alyssa Solomon and graduating winger Ces Robles displayed their scoring prowess as the Lady Bulldogs flexed their muscles to start their repeat bid on the right track and extend their winning streak to 19 dating back to the pandemic-cut Season 82 in 2020.

Solomon, the Season 84 Best Opposite Hitter, led all scorers with 12 points on 10 kills, one ace and one kill block while Robles, last year's Finals Most Valuable Player, pumped in 11 points with all but one coming off spikes and added eight digs for NU.

Reigning Rookie of the Year and MVP Bella Belen had eight points and excellent receptions.

"This is a big win for us. We take this as a fresh start. Our mindset is to take it one game at a time, just like last season, from the start to the time we became champions," Lady Bulldogs coach Karl Dimaculangan said.

"Our goal is to continuously improve as a team."

Erin Pangilinan was also impressive in her first starting role for the Lady Bulldogs, scoring seven points as a replacement for Ivy Lacsina, who turned pro after their championship run.

NU banked on its strong mid-set rallies to create significant separations in the first two sets before building a 13-point cushion in the third frame, enough to weather a desperate late run by Ateneo.

Already at match point, 24-11, the Lady Bulldogs, who sat out most of their starters, saw the Blue Eagles make a short run. Ateneo saved five match points, winning long rallies that ignited its crowd.

But Faith Nisperos' serve fell short after NU called time to end the match.

Alexis Miner had nine points while Nisperos got eight points and five digs for the Blue Eagles, who gave 25 free points to the Lady Bulldogs off errors.

Earlier, Adamson University made a strong statement to kick off its campaign after beating hapless University of the East black and blue, 25-19, 25-9, 25-5.

Lucille Almonte and rookie Trisha Tubu put up a strong outing to lead the Lady Falcons in wrapping up the resounding victory in just 63 minutes to welcome new head coach Jerry Yee.

Almonte fired 10 attacks to wound up with 12 points and added eight digs. Tubu made an impressive debut with 12 points off eight kills, two aces and two kill blocks for Adamson.

"Good game for us to get playing time for all. Hopefully, we could sustain it in our following games," Yee, who made his return to the league since his last coaching stint for University of the Philippines back in 2017.