Lady Bulldogs dispatch shorthanded Blue Eagles

c/o UAAP Media Team

Games Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre

9 a.m. – UST vs UE (Men)
11 a.m. – UST vs UE (Women)
3 p.m. – DLSU vs AdU (Men)
5 p.m. – DLSU vs AdU (Women)

NATIONAL University made quick work of a shorthanded Ateneo de Manila University, 25-23, 25-19, 25-15, to stay unbeaten in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Overcoming a tough opening set against a Blue Eagles squad reeling from season-ending injuries to Zel Tsunashima (broken left shin) and JLo Delos Santos (torn left ACL), the Lady Bulldogs quickly regained their rhythm, dominating the next two frames to improve to 2-0—all via straight sets.

With the win, NU continued its dominance over Ateneo, securing its seventh consecutive victory against the Blue Eagles, a streak that began with a four-set triumph on May 7, 2022, in Season 84.

“Sobrang happy ako. Talagang total team effort yung nangyari today sa game. Hopefully, mag-improve pa yung team effort ng NU sa mga next game namin,” said NU head coach Sherwun Meneses.

The Blue Eagles fought back from a five-point deficit in the third set, cutting the gap to 11-9, but reigning MVP Bella Belen, Vange Alinsug, and Chamy Maaya led a blistering 7-1 run to give NU an 18-10 cushion.

Two attacks from rookie Celine Marsh and a block from Maaya sealed the Lady Bulldogs’ second straight win while keeping Ateneo winless.

NU established control early in the second set, racing to a 14-6 lead. This time, the Lady Bulldogs held their ground, capitalizing on an attack error by Jihan Chuatico and a crosscourt kill from Alyssa Solomon to build a commanding 2-0 set advantage.

Ateneo, however, put up a strong fight in the first set, rallying from an 11-16 deficit to pull within 23-22. But Alinsug delivered two consecutive off-the-block kills to secure NU’s opening frame.

The Lady Bulldogs dominated the net, out-blocking the Blue Eagles 10-0, while also having a 5-0 edge in service aces—both crucial in securing their second consecutive sweep.

Solomon spearheaded NU’s one-hour, 19-minute victory with 12 points on 10-of-26 attacks, while Alinsug contributed 10 points, eight attacks, and five digs.

Belen added nine points, seven excellent receptions, and five digs, while Erin Pangilinan and Maaya chipped in six points each. Setter Lams Lamina orchestrated NU’s offense with 14 excellent sets and two points.

NU will look to extend its winning streak against Far Eastern University in a rematch of last year's Final Four pairing on Sunday, February 23, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

For Ateneo, Lyann de Guzman finished with nine points and seven excellent receptions, while AC Miner and Alexia Montoro also scored nine each in the loss. Chuatico added eight points, while setter Taks Fujimoto tallied nine excellent sets.

The Blue Eagles will try to notch their first win in a rivalry showdown against Katipunan neighbor University of the Philippines on the same day and venue.