Defending champion NU Lady Bulldogs bounced back in dominant fashion, sweeping the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 25-19, 25-16, 25-15, in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Coming off a tough loss to the FEU Tamaraws, the Lady Bulldogs quickly regained form and controlled the match after a competitive opening set.
Ateneo threatened late in the first frame, building a 19-17 lead, but NU responded with a decisive closing run fueled by Sam Cantada’s service pressure and Alexa Mata’s presence at the net to steal the set.
NU Shows Out on Both Ends
The Lady Bulldogs carried that momentum into the next two frames, overwhelming the Blue Eagles with consistent offense and disciplined defense to complete the sweep.
“That’s the goal. Everybody’s goal is to bounce back and get up after you fall. I’m very happy because everybody gets to perform well today,” said NU head coach Regine Diego.
Arah Panique led NU with 13 points built on 12 attacks and 1 block. Cantada added 9 points and 12 excellent receptions, while Chammy Maaya and Vange Alinsug chipped in 6 points apiece.
Setter Lams Lamina orchestrated the offense with 12 excellent sets, while Shaira Jardio anchored the floor defense with 11 excellent digs and 8 excellent receptions.
For Ateneo, no player scored in double figures, with Geezel Tsunashima leading the team with 9 points, while Donna de Leon added 8.
NU will face the Adamson Lady Falcons on Easter Sunday, April 5, at 5:00 p.m. at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. Meanwhile, Ateneo returns to action against the UP Fighting Maroons on Wednesday, April 8, at 1:00 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
