NU sweeps La Salle in Sherwin Meneses' UAAP coaching return

National University gave head coach Sherwin Meneses a triumphant UAAP return after blanking De La Salle University, 25-23, 25-21, 25-18, in the Season 87 women's volleyball tournament on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

The Lady Bulldogs cruised to the sweep victory to also open their title defense bid on a high note as the Lady Spikers just couldn't find the answers as they fell flat in their redemption campaign opener. 

La Salle, though, had a strong start after tying the first set at 23-all, but NU stayed composed with Sheena Toring unleashing a quick attack before Shevana Laput committed an attack error to give the defending champions the opening set. 

La Salle tried to keep it close in the second set but Alyssa Solomon proved to be a beast on the opposite side as the senior spiker brought her side to a 23-19 spread. Vange Alinsug, who momentarily sat out after hurting her knee, returned and delivered the set-winning point as NU seized full control with a 2-0 set lead. 

The Lady Bulldogs then shattered a 6-all deadlock in the third frame by unloading a 13-3 rampage capped by a Solomon kill on the right wing that made it a huge 19-9 cushion for NU. 

La Salle attempted to fight back, but a service error from Amie Provido allowed NU to complete the sweep. 

Bella Belen led the way with 14 points anchored on 10 attacks, three aces, and one block while also grabbing six receptions while Solomon finished with 13 markers.

With the win, NU gave Meneses a fitting welcome in his return to the women's collegiate scene. Meneses, who also calls the shot for Creamline in the PVL, had a previous stint with the Adamson Lady Falcons. 

Opposite spiker Laput top-scored La Salle with 18 points all on attacks, while Angel Canino was limited to just seven points as she went almost scoreless in the third set.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News