Unbeaten NU Lady Bulldogs survive close third set vs. UP to complete sweep

National University displayed the heart of a champion in a tight third set showdown with the University of the Philippines en route to a 25-13, 25-23, 25-22 win in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

The Lady Bulldogs fended off a late rally by the Fighting Maroons to remain spotless at 5-0 while the season hosts absorbed their fourth straight loss to go 2-4.

Veterans Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon were the difference-makers with the seasoned outside spiker pouring in 17 points, while the high-flying opposite hitter churned out 16 markers anchored on 13 attacks and three blocks. 

"Happy naman kasi syempre nakuha namin 'yung panalo. I think 'yung UP lumalaban talaga this season and talagang contender din sila. Hindi pwedeng magpabaya," NU head coach Sherwin Meneses said. 

NU was comfortably holding a six-point lead late in the third set after Belen went for a cross court attack on the opposite side to give the defending champions a 22-16 advantage. 

But UP refused to just give up with Kianne Olango squeezing the ball through two blockers and unloading a powerful attack on the right side to lead a 6-0 rampage and tie things up at 22-all. 

Solomon, though, issued the silencer before Celine Marsh went down the line to deliver the match point at 24-22. Senior NU middle blocker Erin Pangilinan won it for NU, denying Joan Monares on her outside kill attempt as the Lady Bulldogs closed out the match with a 3-0 blast. 

Kassy Doering led the way for UP with 11 points while Olango finished with 10 markers. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News