NU tightens hold of second spot at UST's expense; UE gets breakthrough win in five-setter vs UP

National University inched closer to a twice-to-beat advantage after taking down University of Santo Tomas, 25-16, 25-21, 17-25, 25-14, on Wednesday in the UAAP Season 85 women's volleyball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Alyssa Solomon had 17 points, while Michaela Belen added 16 of her own in the Lady Bulldogs' fifth straight win, which improved their record to 10-3. The NU win spoiled Eya Laure's 17 points and Imee Hernandez' 14-point performance while also bringing the Golden Tigresses' down to 9-4 in the standings.

Meanwhile, University of the East barged into the win column as they outlasted University of the Philippines in a five-setter, 16-25, 25-21, 26-24, 19-25, 15-12, with Khy Cepada making 19 points and 13 excellent digs.

UAAP action will return on Saturday as NU faces Ateneo de Manila in their final elimination round game, while UE will face league-leading De La Salle University, with both games played at the same venue.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA Integrated News