MANILA, Philippines (Updated 3:05 p.m.) – The NU Lady Bulldogs eked out a come-from-behind win over the UST Golden Tigresses, 22-25, 25-23, 20-25, 25-20, 15-13, in the UAAP Season 82 women's volleyball tournament on Wednesday.
The loss soured UST's EJ Laure's return to collegiate volleyball after missing two seasons due to injury.
NU banked on an error-prone UST side to take the victory against last year's runners-up.
Risa Sato, who returned to the NU lineup after a year of sitting out, scored 17 markers for the Lady Bulldogs in her first game back.
Ivy Lacsina and rookie Margot Mutshima also played key roles in the victory.
Mutshima scored a game-high 23 points while Lacsina chipped in with 19, including a game-winning spike in the fifth set.
The Laure sisters led UST in the losing effort. Reigning rookie of the year Eya had 20 while EJ tallied 17.
Rookie Imee Hernandez chipped in with 18 points.