By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

LEAGUE-LEADING National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs won their third straight victory in University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80 women’s volleyball yesterday, defeating the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors, 25-15, 18-25, 25-23 and 25-19, to sustain their solid start to their campaign and stay on top of the heap.

One of the just two teams left unblemished as Season 80 entered a new week, the Lady Bulldogs stayed the course amid a determined challenge from the Lady Warriors to fashion out the four-set victory and kept their spotless record intact.

The two teams had it tight to begin the match, fighting to an 8-7 count by the first technical timeout with NU on top.

The Lady Bulldogs would create some distance after to claim a five-point cushion, 16-11, midway into the frame.

UE tried to claw its way back but NU would stand its ground, speeding its way to close out the first set on a 9-4 blast and take a 1-0 lead.

In the second frame, the nip-and-tuck beginning continued. But unlike in the first set, the Lady Warriors did not let go of the rope and kept in step with their opponents.

Tied at 8-all at one point, UE kept its composure, claiming the lead at 15-14 and going to outscore NU, 10-4, the rest of the way to pull even at a set apiece.

The Lady Warriors maintained their spirited fight to start the third set, racing to an 8-4 lead by the first technical knockout.

NU though would turn things around after, overhauling its deficit by the next stoppage, 16-15.

The team jostled to establish control in the homestretch of the set, knotted at 20-all heading into the last fifth of the third frame.

UE took a 22-20 lead before NU leveled things at 22-all. It is something the Lady Bulldogs would capitalize on, with setter Jasmine Nabor figuring prominently, as they used it as leverage to complete the set comeback.

The fourth set had the protagonists battling it tight in the early goings, tied at 11-all midway into it.

NU was first to the second technical, 16-12, as middle blocker and team captain Jaja Santiago took charge.

The Lady Bulldogs extended their lead further to 22-13 but the Lady Warriors would not go away without a fight as they pulled within five points, 24-19.

It was the closest they would get though as Santiago and the Lady Bulldogs went for the finish after.

Santiago led the way for NU (3-0) with 23 points, 18 of which coming from attacks, four from blocks and one service ace.

Nabor finished with three points and 40 excellent sets while Roselyn Doria had 12 points and Aiko Urdas adding eight for NU in the win.

UE (0-3), meanwhile, was paced by Mary Anne Mendrez and Shaya Adorador with 11 points apiece.

“It was not a pretty win but we will take it,” said NU coach Babes Castillo during the post-match press conference.

Next opponents for NU are the defending champions De La Salle Lady Spikers on Sunday, Feb. 18, while UE plays the Ateneo Lady Eagles on Saturday.

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