NU repeats over Adamson with sweep win; Ateneo bounces back, routs UP

National University flashed its old form to reassert its mastery over Adamson University, 26-24, 25-16, 25-22, to forge a three-way tie at the second spot in the UAAP Season 85 women's volleyball tournament on Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

The Lady Bulldogs improved to 7-3 alongside Adamson and University of Santo Tomas while De La Salle University remained atop with a 9-1 slate.

Reigning MVP and Rookie of the Year Bella Belen led NU with 20 points highlighted by 18 attacks while first year Vange Alinsug shone with 10 markers. Alyssa Solomon provided the help from the opposite, chipping in 11 points in the win.

The win allowed NU to sweep Adamson in the elimination round as the Lady Bulldogs previously dealt the Lady Falcons a 25-22, 25-19, 25-27, 22-25, 15-10 loss in their first round meeting.

"Pinaghandaan po kasi talaga namin yung game na ito and sinet namin yung goal namin na dapat ipanalo namin yung game na ito kasi kailangan na po naming manalo na eh, hindi na po namin kailangang matalo," said Belen.

("We really prepared for this game and we set our goal that we should win this game because we need to win. We can't afford to lose.")

NU will face Far Eastern University next on Sunday in a bid to make it three wins in a row while Adamson will look to bounce back on Saturday against winless University of the East.

Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University recovered from a previous loss as it eked out 25-20, 25-17, 25-22 victory against University of the Philippines to return to the win column of the tourney.

Team captain Faith Nisperos paced the Blue Eagles with 17 points anchored all on attacks laced with seven digs while she got a huge lift from Vanie Gandler, who poured in nine markers.

Ateneo will play UST on Saturday while UP takes on league-leading DLSU on Sunday.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News