NU stays unbeaten, La Salle overcomes Ateneo in UAAP Season 87
National University and De La Salle University asserted their dominance in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament, securing crucial victories against Adamson University and Ateneo de Manila University, respectively, on Wednesday, March 12, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The defending champion Lady Bulldogs continued their perfect run, sweeping Adamson in straight sets, 25-21, 25-23, 25-18.
This marks NU’s fifth consecutive straight-sets victory, improving their record to 6-0 as they gear up for a much-anticipated finals rematch against University of Santo Tomas (UST) on Sunday, March 16.
Alyssa Solomon powered NU’s offense with a game-high 22 points, including 15 attacks, four blocks, and three aces. Vange Alinsug added 12 markers, while two-time MVP Bella Belen contributed nine points, 12 digs, and five receptions.
Despite the loss, Adamson’s Shaina Nitura delivered a solid performance with 13 markers, 15 receptions, and eight digs, while Frances Mordi also finished with 13. However, the Lady Falcons struggled to match NU’s firepower and dropped to 2-4 in the standings.
In the second match, La Salle battled past archrival Ateneo, securing a 25-15, 25-14, 20-25, 25-19 win.
Shevana Laput led the charge for the Lady Spikers with a career-high 25 points, while Angel Canino and Alleiah Malaluan chipped in 17 and 12 markers, respectively.
After Ateneo took the third set and grabbed an early 8-4 lead in the fourth, La Salle responded with a strong rally. Laput’s crucial kills and Malaluan’s attacks helped the Lady Spikers regain control, pushing ahead 16-14.
The Blue Eagles fought back but were undone by two costly attack errors, while Laput and Canino delivered the finishing blows.
Rookie setter Mikole Reyes sealed the win with a block on Lyann de Guzman.
With these victories, NU remains the team to beat heading into their crucial matchup against UST, while La Salle continues to build momentum in the tournament. Meanwhile, Adamson and Ateneo will look to bounce back in their upcoming matches.
