MANILA, Philippines — National University ran into a game Ateneo as it fashioned out a 25-8, 25-19, 16-25, 25-19 victory yesterday to complete a Pool C sweep in the Shakey’s Super League at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The Lady Bulldogs dominated the first two sets before the Eagles fought back in the third and gave it all in the fourth. But the latter fell short as the reigning UAAP champions showed tremendous poise to hang on to the win.
It was the third straight triumph for the Lady Bulldogs, who remain the heavy favorites this season.
But it didn’t come as easy as NU’s straight-set triumphs over Arellano U and Jose Rizal U as Ateneo, spearheaded by the power-hitting Faith Nisperos, showed one big fight.
Michaela Belen, the rookie MVP last season, was a cut above the rest as she came through with the hits that mattered the most and didn’t flinch amid the huge Nisperos-led rally.
Ateneo succumbed to its first defeat in three outings although its place in the playoffs has already been secured even before the game.
Earlier, Sto. Tomas also solidified its bid for the spot in the next round after a 25-13, 25-19, 25-15 drubbing of Emilio Aguinaldo College.
The Tigresses relentlessly pounded the Lady Generals for the quick win that kept their tight grip of the top spot in Pool B with a 3-0 record.
“I’m happy the team executed well in this game. I just want to see more consistency from our second unit as we head into the next round,” UST coach Kungfu Reyes said.
The España-based squad needed only an hour and 17 minutes to keep EAC winless in three games.
Angeli Abella had 19 points to lead the Tigresses while Bianca Plaza and Xyza Gula added eight and seven points, respectively.
Jeanne Porto and Catherine Almazan led the Lady Generals with nine points each.