Defending champion National University surpassed its closest challenger so far, weathering the gritty Far Eastern University in five sets, 25-15, 23-25, 24-26, 25-23, 15-8, to stay unbeaten in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
On the verge of their first defeat with two sets to one disadvantage, Alyssa Solomon took matters into her own hands, catching fire in the fourth to bring NU to set point, 24-21.
FEU’s Faida Bakanke and Jaz Ellarina cut it down to one but the former’s last attack attempt went out. Coach Tina Salak called for a video challenge but it was unsuccessful.
Solomon sustained her dominant form in the fifth with Belen firing her seventh ace followed by a net touch violation from FEU for an 8-3 start. Erin Pangilinan stretched the lead to 12-7, hitting a finger-wag celebration and never looked back.
Solomon powered the Lady Bulldogs’ comeback with 23 points off 19 kills and four blocks, while Belen finished with 13 attacks including the match-clinching hit and unleashed a season-high seven aces for 20 points.
Vange Alinsug also stepped for NU with 19 points, as setter Lams Lamina continued to shine this season with her brilliant plays.
The Lady Bulldogs lost steam after dominating the opening set as they absorbed their first set defeat of the season in the second with Jean Asis nailing a pair of clutch blocks to tie the game at 1-1.
NU was a point away from regaining the match lead when Alexa Mata denied Jaz Ellarina’s attack for a 24-23 advantage in the third but Alyzza Devosora delivered the equalizer. Mata’s next attack attempt was way out before Faida Bakanke nailed a big block on Bella Belen to put FEU ahead, 2-1.
FEU dropped to a 1-2 record, losing back-to-back games including a frustrating four-set defeat to the University of the Philippines last Wednesday.
