DEFENDING champions National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs retain their unbeaten streak after mounting an epic comeback against the gritty Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws on Sunday.
The big three seniors of Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and Vange Alinsug proved to be too much to handle in this year’s UAAP Season 87, as the National U cruised to their third straight victory.
After leading 2-1 in sets, the Lady Tamaraws were startled by the Lady Bulldogs, who turned the game around with scores of 25-15, 23-25, 24-26, 25-23, and 15-8.
With a stunning win, the Jhocson-based club secured the first spot as the only team with an undefeated record. Meanwhile, the Recto squad dropped to sixth place following two consecutive losses.
Epic Comeback
NU was one point away from winning the third set, 24-23, but FEU’s Alyzza Devosora came through with a crosscourt hit to square the match, followed by an Alexa Mata error that gave the Lady Tamaraws the 25-24 lead.
Given their momentum, Faida Bakanke took matters into her own hands, meeting Belen at the net and denying her, giving FEU the third period, 26-24, and a 2-1 set lead.
Moreover, the Lady Tams rallied from a 20-23 hole in the fourth to trail only 23-24, but with a chance to extend the set, Bakanke’s attack went out, forcing them to a deciding fifth set.
After a 3-3 start in the final set, the Lady Bulldogs dominated the game, with their seniors working together to deliver the knockout blow in a 12-5 finish in a game that lasted two hours and 38 minutes.
The 6-foot-2 Solomon concluded the game with 23 points, 19 attacks, and four blocks, two-time MVP Belen had 21 points, 13 spikes, a season-high seven service aces, a block, and 12 digs, while Alinsug had 19 points and 15 excellent receptions.
Pushed to the Limit
This was the first time a team brought National U to the fifth set in their first three games, having previously swept DLSU Lady Spiker and Ateneo Blue Eagles. However, they expected this from FEU.
“For me, expected ko naman talaga yung FEU na talagang contender din sila ngayong taon, ready lang kami sa lahat ng situation lamang kami or hindi,” said first year NU head coach Sherwin Meneses
“‘Yung composure dapat laging nandiyan kasi maraming teams na talagang gustong-gusto talunin yung NU,” the successful volleyball tactician added.
Meanwhile, Solomon, who pushed the Lady Bulldogs to stretch the contest in the fourth, said that what inspired them to face adversity in this game was not to waste prior performances.
“Nung fourth set, sinabi namin sa isa’t isa na huwag natin hayaan masayang yung pinagtrabahuhan natin nung mga nakaraang week kasi talagang pinaghandaan natin yung FEU. Huwag natin bitawan agad,” she said.
NU looks to continue their winning streak on Saturday against the winless UE Lady Warriors, while FEU looks to get back on track next Sunday against the Ateneo Blue Eagles at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
