BY ABBY TORALBA
WITH Mhicaela Belen showing the way, National University made short work of University of the East 25-14, 25-14, 25-12 yesterday to move closer to a Final Four berth in the 86th UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
“Hindi lang po iyong atake ang laging iniisip ko, iniisip ko kung ano pa iyong kaya kong i-contribute sa team. As long as kaya ko pong gawin ‘yung task like sa receive at dig, ibibigay ko ‘yung best effort ko,” said Belen, who had 13 points, 10 excellent receptions, and 10 digs to lead the Lady Bulldogs.
NU, which has yet to drop a match in the second round after wins over University of the Philippines and University of Santo Tomas, is now at 8-2, moving a win away from a Final Four slot.
The Lady Bulldogs displayed their prowess in every area possible in the win scored in one hour and 21 minutes, blanking the Lady Warriors in blocks and service, 10-0 and 6-0, respectively. They also dominated the spiking department 47-26.
NU also limited UE rookie Casiey Dongallo, the league’s second-leading scorer, to a season-low six points.
Alyssa Solomon took the scoring mantle for the Lady Bulldogs with 14 points while Vange Alinsug and Chams Maaya made nine and eight points, respectively.
“Very happy kasi nakita namin kung ano ‘yung pinagtrabahuhan namin nung mga training lalo na nung Holy Week na imbis na umuwi or mag-spend time sa family namin, mas pinili namin mag-training at ipolish pa ‘yung galaw namin,” said Solomon.
Dongallo had a woeful 6-of-43 attack clip as the Lady Warriors slipped to 2-7 at seventh. Riza Nogales also had six kills in the defeat.
