NU LADY BULLDOGS — UAAP/NEO GARCIA

Games on Wednesday
(SM Mall of Asia Arena)
9 a.m. – DLSU vs AdU (Men’s)
11 a.m. – UST vs UP (Men’s)
1 p.m. – DLSU vs AdU (Women’s)
3 p.m. – UST vs UP (Women’s)

TITLEHOLDER National University (NU) warmed up for a heavyweight rematch against unbeaten rival De La Salle University (DLSU) with an easy 25-18, 25-18, 25-15 win against the listless Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Team captain Vange Alinsug cashed in 18 points on 14 hits while super rookie Sam Cantada returned from a one-game absence due to a leg injury with six points for the NU Lady Bulldogs, who improved to 5-1.

The Lady Bulldogs solidified hold of second spot ahead of their clash against the DLSU Lady Spikers, who pace the race at 5-0, next Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena to end the first round of play with the lead up for grabs.

Ms. Alinsug poured the bulk of her output in the first two sets to set the tone as Ms. Cantada, after going down with a shin injury in their lone loss against the third-running UP Fighting Maroons, took over from midway through the second set onwards.

Her thunderous kill capped a 10-3 closeout by the Lady Bulldogs from a close 15-12 score in the third set to hand the ADMU Blue Eagles their sixth defeat in as many games in only 88 minutes of action.

Arah Panique and Alexa Mata chipped in 10 and eight points, respectively, for the charges of coach Regine Diego in hunt for a third straight championship and fourth overall in the last five seasons.

“We’re doing our best every game and we’re happy because everybody can play well whenever we need them,” said Ms. Diego, revving up for her first duel against the legendary Ramil de Jesus of La Salle.

No player finished in twin digits once again for the struggling Ateneo side led by rookies Ana Hermosura and Dona De Leon with seven points each, entering its final assignment for the round against fellow winless squad University of the East (0-6) on Saturday at the MOA Arena.

In the men’s division, Far Eastern University (6-0) zeroed in on a first-round sweep by smothering UP (2-3), 25-14, 25-22, 28-26, while five-peat champion NU (5-1) drubbed Ateneo (2-4), 25-22, 25-23, 25-22. — John Bryan Ulanday

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