National University whipped University of the East after a 25-23, 25-9, 25-12 straight-set beating in the first round of the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, March 12, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The Lady Bulldogs had to shrug off the Lady Warriors’ gallant stand in the opening before breezing past them in the ensuing sets and improved 4-1 in the standings.
Alyssa Solomon carried out a game-high 15 points to lead all scorers off 14 attacks and an ace, while Bella Belen and Erin Pangilinan had 13 and 10, respectively.
The Lady Warriors managed to inch closer to the Lady Bulldogs throughout the first set and came within one, 23-22, before Jan Lana committed a costly service error that put NU at set point which was quickly followed by a Solomon down-the-line to take the lead.
After struggling to keep UE out of sight in the first, NU wasted no time and set the pace in the following sets for the swift victory.
UE, which fell into a 0-4 slate in the standings, was painfully limited to a single-digit production, with Van Bangayan and KC Cepada finishing with seven points each.