GAMES ON APRIL 23
(Mall of Asia Arena)
1 p.m. – UST vs. UP
3 p.m. – La Salle vs. Adamson
DEFENDING champions National University humbled Ateneo yesterday 25-16, 25-15, 25-21 and clinched the first twice-to-beat edge going into the semifinals of the 87th UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Veteran opposite spiker Alyssa Solomon returned after missing the team’s last two games and finished with a triple-double 16 points, 13 excellent receptions and 10 digs as the Lady Bulldogs improved to 11-2 while handing the Blue Eagles their ninth defeat against four wins.
Middle blocker Erin Pangilinan also had 12 markers for NU.
“Napakahalaga na healthy ‘yung team mo lalo na pa-semis na so ‘yun ‘yung pinaka-importante kasi syempre mahihirap na ang mga games. So kung healthy ‘yung team, mas malaki ‘yung chance na makuha yung panalo. So happy kami,” NU coach Sherwin Meneses said.
The Sampaloc-based crew had 45 total attacks to Ateneo’s 28.
The Lady Bulldogs will have a two-week break in observance of the Holy Week before they clash against the UST Golden Tigresses on April 27th also at the Big Dome.
“Sa tingin ko, mas okay ‘yung long break na mangyayari before UST and semifinals, makakapag-prepare kami ng mas mahaba and ‘yung mga minor injury namin maghi-heal talaga ng maganda so ready for semifinals. I think mas okay ‘yung schedule ngayon sa amin,” Meneses added.
