By NIKOLE JAVIER
National University opened its title defense in dominant fashion with a sweep of Ateneo, 25-15, 25-20, 25-16, in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
After breezing through the first set, the Lady Bulldogs turned back the Blue Eagles’ attempt to recover in the third to extend their winning run to 19 games dating back to the shortened Season 82.
Alyssa Solomon delivered 12 points built on 10 attacks, one block and an ace, while team captain Cess Robles added 11 points.
Despite enjoying a comfortable 13-3 upperhand in the third set after Vanie Gandler’s service error, NU continued its rampage by leading by as much as 23-9 capped by Evangeline Alinsug’s crosscourt kill.
A Geezel Tshunashima service error put NU at match point, but Ateneo briefly showed signs of life by launching a 7-1 run before eventually shooting itself on the foot with another service error, this time, courtesy of Faith Nisperos.
“Malaking bagay sa amin to. Parang fresh start kasi mindset naman namin every game pa rin last season hanggang sa nag-championship. Ngayon panibago uit iyong goal namin. Para tuluy tuloy lang kaming mag-improve,” said NU head coach Karl Dimaculangan.
Alexis Miner paced Ateneo with nine points, while Gandler and Nisperos had eight points each.