UAAP: National U overcomes five-set scare from FEU to stay perfect

Alyssa Solomon in action for National University against Far Eastern University in their UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball clash. Photo from UAAP Media.

MANILA (UPDATED) — National University survived a five-set scare from Far Eastern University to remain perfect in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament.

The Lady Bulldogs came back from a 2-1 set deficit to complete their 25-15, 23-25, 26-24, 25-23, 15-8 victory over the Lady Tamaraws on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

This was the third straight victory of the defending champions in as many games, but NU head coach Sherwin Meneses said that they already anticipated the challenge that the Lady Tamaraws put them onto.

"Expected ko naman talaga yung FEU na contender sila ngayong taon, so ready lang kami sa kahit anong situation lamang man kami or hindi," he said after the game. 

"Thankful ako sa mga players na naka-recover kami. Sa seniors ng team namin, andyan sila palagi sa crucial points hinahanap namin sila," he added. 

Alyssa Solomon finished with 23 points and three digs to lead the Lady Bulldogs, but she deflected the credit to all her teammates. 

"Sinabi kasi namin sa isa't isa na: 'Wag nating hayaan masayang yung pinagtrabahuhan namin. Pinaghandaan talaga nating 'tong FEU game, so wag nating bitawan agad," she pointed out. 

Bella Belen followed with 21 markers, 12 digs, and four receptions, and for the two-time league MVP, what needs to be hailed is how they stood their ground despite already being on the verge of defeat when they were down 2-1. 

"I'm very happy na lumaban kami," said Belen, who also had seven blocks in the contest, just one short of her career-high of eight. "Sabi lang namin sa self namin, hangga't wala pang nakaka-tatlong set, hindi pa tapos yung laban. Marami po kaming naging learnings na pwede po naming baunin."

"Maganda yung start namin, pero yung mga sumunod na sets parang nawala yung eagerness, so kailangan namin yung maturity," she added. 

Also a factor in this win was Vange Alinsug and her 19 points, 15 receptions, and four digs, while Lams Lamina was just as vital as she finished with all but one of National U's 24 sets.

On the other hand, the Lady Tams, who absorbed their second straight loss in the young season, relied on Jean Asis' impressive outing of 20 points which came from 16 attacks, three blocks, and an ace on top of three digs. 

Unfortunately, Far Eastern U wasn't able to take advantage of its admirable floor defense of 50 digs and 40 receptions to NU's 43 and 29, respectively.