NU vents ire on UE, nears Final Four bonus

National University (NU) made a quick, merciless recovery as it clobbered University of the East (UE) in emphatic fashion, 25-8, 25-22, 25-12, in Season 87 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Philsports Arena.

Stung by their heartbreaking loss to Adamson University, the Lady Bulldogs are back with a bang with reigning Most Valuable Player Bella Belen asserting her might to clinch their 10th win in 12 matches in this prestigious collegiate league.

Belen fired 16 points built on 14 attacks and two aces while Vange Alinsug and Aisha Bello chipped in nine points apiece for NU, which moved a win away from clinching a slot in the Final Four.

“I’m very happy the team bounced back because our last loss was tough to swallow,” Belen said.

“I keep reminding everyone that no matter the opponent’s ranking, we have to maintain our standard of play. We always need to have a goal as players — and today, we did our job.”

On the other hand, Khy Cepada, Nessa Bangayan, and Riza Nogales led the scoring parade with six markers apiece for the Lady Red Warriors who are on the verge of finishing the season without a win to show after dropping to 0-12 record.

In the men’s division, the Bulldogs clinched a Final Four berth after cruising to a 25-21, 25-17, 25-16 win over the Red Warriors.

Michaelo Buddin fired 15 points while Obed Mukaba delivered 14 points and seven blocks for the Bulldogs, who posted their 10th win in 12 starts to secure their 10th straight Final Four appearance.