National University kickstarted its title defense bid in flying colors, drubbing the revamped University of the East with a convincing 25-15, 25-19, 25-15 win in the Shakey's Super League Collegiate Pre-Season Championship Season 2 Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Sophomore Vange Alinsug and incoming rookie Arah Ellah Panique took charge with 11 points each in the Lady Bulldogs' rousing start in Pool A.
Reigning tournament Most Valuable Player Alyssa Solomon and skipper Erin Pangilinan had eight and seven points, respectively, while Bella Belen added five – all in limited action as NU needed only 71 minutes to dismantle UE.
In the process, the Lady Bulldogs with a sweep gifted coach Norman Miguel a sweet present in his return to collegiate volleyball play.
"Masaya ako kasi I'm back after the pandemic. Mas masaya ako kasi 'yung trust, andoon pa rin. Masaya na panalo pero meron ka kasi kahit paano na expectations diba. Siguro, dahil first game pa lang at yung all-to-play so parang nagmi-mix and match pa lang," he beamed.
"At least nakita namin kung ano pa kailangan trabahuhin as preparation for the UAAP."
Earlier, Far Eastern U charged to a 2-0 slate in Pool D after cruising to a 25-6, 25-15, 25-12 win over Emilio Aguinaldo College behind the 11 points of Gerzel Petallo.
"Happy kami sa (2-0 record). Magandang simula ito dito sa Shakey's. Maganda 'yung ipinapakita ng buong team lalo na 'yung mga second stringers. Naibibigay nila 'yung ini-ensayo nila," said FEU interim coach Manolo Refugia.
UE, which opened its campaign with a 25-14, 25-21, 25-19 over Jose Rizal U, slid to 1-1 in Pool A while EAC slipped to 0-1 in Pool D debut.
With little to no break, NU spikes for a 2-0 slate against San Sebastian College-Recoletos (1-0) on Sunday while FEU (2-0) takes a long break before aiming for a Pool D sweep against Ateneo de Manila University.