BARKING LOUD: Lady Bulldogs bare fangs, crush Blue Eagles

National University (NU) flashed its deadly form as it made short work of Ateneo de Manila University, 25-23, 25-19, 25-15, to stay unbeaten in Season 87 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

After getting a scare in the opening set, the Lady Bulldogs restored order, roaring back with powerful attacks and an airtight defense that sent them to their seventh consecutive victory over the Blue Eagles — a streak that started in Season 84 on 7 May 2022.

Alyssa Solomon presided over the offense, firing 12 points while Vangie Alinsug chipped in 10 markers with five digs.

Reigning Most Valuable Player Bella Belen added nine points, seven excellent receptions, and five digs, while Erin Pangilinan and Chamy Maaya chipped in six points each to underscore the Lady Bulldogs balanced offensive attack.

Setter Lams Lamina orchestrated NU’s offense with 14 excellent sets.

“Of course, we’re very happy with the team’s total effort. Hopefully, we continue to improve in the next games,” said Lady Bulldogs head coach Sherwin Meneses, whose wards started its string of victories over Ateneo on 7 May 2022 in Season 84.

Ateneo, which lost key players Zel Tsunashima and JLo delos Santos to serious injuries over the weekend, showed some signs of life in the opening set while gamely battling for control in the first two sets.

But the Lady Bulldogs refused to get intimidated as they displayed the form that made them one of the most elite women’s volleyball programs in the country.

Behind the sizzling performances of Belen, Alinsug and Maaya, the Lady Bulldogs made a blistering 7-1 run to erect an 18-10 cushion.

A pair of hits from rookie Celine Marsh and a block from Maaya sealed the Lady Bulldogs’ second straight win while keeping Ateneo winless.

Team captain Lyann de Guzman scored nine points to lead the Blue Eagles’ attack.

Earlier, NU overcame a resilient Ateneo squad with a 23-25, 26-24, 27-25, 29-27 victory in the men’s side.

The Bulldogs extended their dominance over Ateneo with their 10th consecutive win a dating back to Season 80.

With this hard-fought win, NU improved to a 2-0 record, while Ateneo, under new head coach Vince Mangulaban, slipped to 1-1.

“I’m grateful for our performance despite the circumstances. Ateneo executed its game plan well, which put us in a difficult position, but we managed to find our rhythm in the later sets,” Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin said.

Leo Ordiales spearheaded NU’s offense with 14 points from 13 attacks, while Taguibolos had a breakout game with 13 points, including a game-high six blocks.

Setter Greg Ancheta orchestrated the Bulldogs’ plays with 18 excellent sets, while Jimwell Gapultos anchored their floor defense with 18 receptions and four digs.

Kennedy Batas spearheaded the attack for the Blue Eagles with 21 points — all from attacks — while also recording 21 excellent receptions and three digs.

On the other hand, Far Eastern University cruised past the University of the Philippines in straight sets, 25-21, 25-16, 25-18.

Zhydryx Saavedra led the Tamaraws with 13 points built on 12 attacks while Bryce de Guzman and Mikko Espartero contributed 10 points each in a well-balanced offensive effort.