NU deals UST its first loss; Ateneo routs UP

National University got back at first-round tormentor and top seed University of Santo Tomas with a tough 23-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20 triumph in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday night, March 24, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Former Rookie-MVP Bella Belen fired on all fronts to finish with 24 points highlighted by 21 kills, two blocks and an ace for the Lady Bulldogs, who climbed to a 7-2 win-loss slate while dealing the Golden Tigresses their first loss of the season.

Sophomore Vange Alinsug and veteran Alyssa Solomon also provided the necessary reinforcements by contributing 18 and 17 hits, respectively, including three aces apiece.

NU bucked an opening-set stumble before exacting sweet revenge on UST, which gave them its opening day loss.

Despite that stinging start, the Lady Bulldogs, though, went on to win five games in a row before falling to championship rival De La Salle Lady Spikers at the end of the first round.

Meanwhile, UST remained on top of the standings with an 8-1 record despite Angge Poyos and Regina Jurado scoring 18 and 11 points, respectively.

In the earlier play, Ateneo bounced back in convincing style after making light work of University of the Philippines, 25-14, 25-20, 25-15, for its third win.

The Blue Eagles and the Fighting Maroons figured in a tightly contested first-round meeting with the former emerging victorious in five sets.

This time, though, Ateneo was dominantly the better side from Katipunan with Zel Tunashima and Sobe Buena showing the way with 16 and 10 markers, respectively.

The Blue Eagles improved their chances at 3-6 just behind fourth seed Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws in the standings at an even 4-4 slate.

Meanwhile, all players from the State U were held to limited production with no one to cover the offensive and defensive boards in the brief affair.

UP top scorer Steph Bustrillo only had eight points to show for herself as the Fighting Maroons slid further at 1-8 in the standings.

All squads will have time to rest during the Holy Week break before actions resume on April 3.