Belen, Solomon lead NU past FEU

MANILA, Philippines — Reigning champion National U tamed Far Eastern U, 25-21, 25-9, 25-18, to move a stone throw away from leader La Salle in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Spiking duo Mhicaela Belen and Alyssa Solomon ran roughshod with 16 and 14 points, respectively, as the Lady Bulldogs hopped ahead of the Lady Falcons for solo second spot at 5-1.

It’s the third straight win for NU since tasting a heartbreaking defeat against Santo Tomas for a good momentum heading to a rematch next week with unbeaten La Salle, the Season 84 runner-up.

Captain Princess Robles backstopped the Belen-Solomon combo with 12 points while Jennifer Nierva provided 11 digs and 10 receptions.

Earlier, Santo Tomas overcame a flat start and took care of business against winless University of the East, 30-32, 25-18, 25-16, 25-14, to fortify its place inside the Top 4 with a game to go in the first round.

Skipper Eya Laure (18), Regina Jurado (13), Milena Alessandrini (12) and Imee Hernandez (10) led a balanced attack for the Golden Tigresses, who improved to 5-2 to wrap up their first-round campaign.

FEU and UE slipped to 3-4 and 0-7, respectively.