NU opens V-League campaign with win over Letran
The National University Lady Bulldogs tripped Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights in its first game of the 2024 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge on Wednesday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The Lady Bulldogs overcame a third-set defeat to conquer the Lady Knights, 25-23, 25-21, 23-25, 25-11.
Kaye Bombita and Myrtle Escanlar spearheaded the way for NU, whose young core showed great potential and promise, despite the absence of key players Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and Arah Panique, who are currently competing with Alas Pilipinas Women in the ongoing SEA V.League tournament.
“We still need maturity, especially for the rookies and the players who are not much exposed, so this win is still a big boost to the team and their confidence,” said NU assistant coach Karl Dimaculangan.
Bombita unleashed a game-high 19 points on 14 attacks, three aces, and two blocks, while Escanlar aided the offense with 16 markers on 15 attacks and two aces.
The Lady Bulldogs rebounded strongly from a tough third set setback, padding a seven point lead (12-5) to a 14-point advantage (24-10) on a 12-15 blitz to secure the victory.
NU struggled past Letran in the opening frame which was close throughout but relied on its power to produce 15 spikes to seize the early edge. The Lady Bulldogs then overcame an erratic game in the second set, marred by 11 miscues, to pull through over the Intramuros-based squad after a crosscourt hit and through-the-block attack by Escanlar.
“There are still many adjustments and improvements needed, especially on the verge of last year with players like Bella and Aly being senior players. They need to get used to stepping up in games,” added Dimaculangan.
Meanwhile, outside hitter Gia Marcel Maquilang led Letran with 15 points on 13 attacks and to aces, while opposite spiker Mari Judiel Nitura chipped in 10 attacks and three blocks.
The Lady Bulldogs will next face the University of the East Lady Warriors on August 14, while the Lady Knights will square off against the College of St. Benilde Blazers in a rematch of last season’s NCAA finals on August 18.
