NU sweeps undermanned Ateneo for 2-0 start in women's volleyball

For the second straight game, National University imposed its will anew after sweeping Ateneo de Manila University, 25-23, 25-19, 25-15, to remain unblemished in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre. 

The Lady Bulldogs, who were just coming off a three-set victory over De La Salle University last Sunday, improved to 2-0 while the undermanned Blue Eagles fell to a 0-2 start. 

Ateneo put up a huge fight in the opening set despite the absences of injured Zel Tsunashima and Jlo Delos Santos with rookie Alex Montoro pulling her side to within one, 22-23, after unleashing a cross court attack. 

Vange Alinsug, though, converted the next two attacks for the defending champions as they gutted out a 25-23 opening set win. 

Alyssa Solomon, whose 13 points powered NU past La Salle in the season opener,  led the charge in the second set after unloading back-to-back hammers that made it a 19-11 cushion. But the Blue Eagles answered with an 8-5 run to mount another fightback, 24-19. 

Solomon, however, soared from the opposite to seal the second set for NU. 

It was all NU in the third set as the Lady Bulldogs cruised to yet another dominant win behind new coach Sherwin Meneses. 

Solomon posted 12 points while Alinsug chipped in 10 markers. Bella Belen was limited to just nine points, but made her presence felt in defense with five digs and seven receptions. 

Only five players from Ateneo were able to score with AC Miner, Montoro, and Lyann De Guzman all churning out nine points as Jihan Chuatico and Yvana Sulit finished with eight and three markers each. 

In the men's division, NU also defeated Ateneo, 23-25, 26-24, 27-25, 29-27.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News