Almost 21,000 fans packed the Smart Araneta Coliseum to witness National University draw first blood over University of Santo Tomas, 25-23, 25-20, 25-20, in Game 1 of their best-of-three finals series in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball on Saturday, May 11. 

The Lady Bulldogs inched closer to their second UAAP title in two years after coming down hard on the Golden Tigresses in straight sets to finalize their first meeting in the championship. 

Sharp and focused, NU’s usual high-flyers Alyssa Solomon, Bella Belen and Vange Alinsug all finished in double figures to secure the win. 

Solomon posted a team-high 17 points off 14 attacks and three blocks, while Belen added 13 markers all on kills made.

Sophomore Alinsug, for her part, was equally impressive on the offensive end after scoring 12 markers highlighted by 10 attacks including crucial spikes that helped NU secure the tight opening set. 

Sans rookie Angge Poyos for half the game, UST lost steam with NU converting it into a victory alongside balanced effort. 

All chances to equalize seemed to have disappeared in the second set for the España crew as the outside hitter had to be helped off the court by the UST staff after landing on teammate Em Banagua’s foot off a block attempt on Alyssa Solomon’s spike, spraining her right ankle in the process. 

Without the team top scorer, Jonna Perdido took matters into her own hands with a team-high 17 points while Regina Jurado had 10 markers to keep the scoring afloat. 

The Lady Bulldogs hope to close out their campaign with the title in Game 2 on Wednesday, May 15, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.