Lady Bulldogs sweep 1st round

National University (NU) stretched its perfect streak to seven after dominating Adamson University, 25-10, 25-20, 25-15, to sweep the first round of Season 84 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Michaela Belen led the assault while Princess Robles chipped in significant numbers for the Lady Bulldogs, who captured their best start in school history.

Meanwhile, Adamson University kept University of the East winless following a 25-23, 25-20, 25-18 win in the first game while University of Santo Tomas scored a 25-19, 25-21, 29-31, 33-31 victory over Ateneo de Manila University in the third match of this quadruple-header.

The Lady Bulldogs’ previous best was 6-1, which they achieved in Seasons 76 and 80.

“We need this win so we can build enough momentum going into the second round,” NU coach Karl Dimaculangan said.

Belen fired 13 points, all from attacks, while Robles chipped in 12 points for NU, which fought back from a 1-6 deficit at the start of third set with a 20-5 blitz to seal the victory.

Middle blocker Ivy Lacsina gathered 11 points while libero Jen Nierva held the fort at the backline with 17 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions. She even scored a point off a free ball.

“We may have a young team but this first-round sweep is what motivates us in preparation for the second round,” Dimaculangan said.

“Other teams have already made adjustments and are already familiar with each other so we really need to prepare.”

None scored double figures for the Lady Maroons as Niña Ytang and Jewel Encarnacion tallied seven points apiece.

After a hot three-game winning streak to start the tournament, the Fighting Maroons dropped their next four to fall to 3-4 at sixth.