Facing five-set challenge for first time since high school, NU figures out more ways to improve unbeaten run

National University (NU) was dragged to a five-setter for the first time in two seasons of the UAAP women’s volleyball competition.

And a 25-22, 25-19, 25-27, 22-25, 15-10 win over the Adamson Lady Falcons on Wednesday seemed as bad news for the rest of the Season 85 field as the Lady Bulldogs had—and won. through early suffering and can overcome all the wrongs.

“It was a good team experience and an eye-opener,” said NU coach Karl Dimaculangan accepting that the entire team will fight this season and take the marathon victory with a grain of salt. “At least this early, we can experience this and determine the adjustments that need to be made.

“We expect this season not to be easy.”

Alyssa Solomon again helped her team get over the hump, scoring a career-high 28 points, while Michaela Belen had 20 of her 23 points for the Lady Bulldogs, which allowed the Lady Falcons to come from two sets down and force a decider. .

And Solomon made a good effort despite his lack of confidence.

“My teammates give me confidence. So they push me to give my best every game,” said Solomon.

Record in presence

NU has played its first five sets since 2020—and the first for the team’s current star since high school—and the Lady Bulldogs have come within 24 games of Ateneo during the Alyssa Valdez era.

“I saw how our team fought today, but as much as possible, I don’t want the match to go five sets,” Solomon said.

“There are lessons that we have learned and we see that there are many things that still need to be improved. Even in training, I always tell them to expect the worst that can happen in the game,” said Dimaculangan.

Princess Robles added 13 points for the Lady Bulldogs while Camilla Lamina added a game-high 17 before serving the winning ace.

“We were rattled, and not as usual. Luckily we arrived early [in the season]so we can adjust and find a solution,” Robles said.

The Lady Falcons took the third set, racing to a 16-10 advantage on some great execution, before Solomon almost single-handedly lifted NU back into contention.

Solomon scored 11 kills in the set, a performance that circled the channel after the Lady Falcons survived a comeback with Kate Santiago making the final touch.

Santiago led the Lady Falcons with 20 points, with 17 rebounds and Gayle Tubu scored 16.

The tiger roared

In another game, University of Santo Tomas (UST) erased a frustrating season opener with a 25-16, 28-26, 25-21 win over Far Eastern University (FEU).

Eya Laure and Jonna Perdido pierced FEU’s defense mercilessly, while rookie setter Cassie Carballo also shined as the Golden Tigresses eased the pain of the loss they absorbed at the hands of the La Salle Lady Spikers.

“It’s a win win [bad] that feeling of defeat. Against La Salle, we relaxed after taking the second set and couldn’t finish strong,” said Laure, who led UST with 17 points, 14 of which came from the power attack.

Ateneo surrendered a set before beating University of the East (UE) to its knees, 25-17, 25-23, 24-26, 25-10 with Vanessa Gandler and Faith Nisperos taking the UE side to the fourth and final floor. frame.

Ateneo coach Oliver Almadro was visibly upset with the Lady Eagles before they overcame a forgettable third set en route to their first win of the season.

“We may not like the way, but a win is a win and we are happy with this. There are a lot of expectations in this game, because I wanted to bounce back badly [from the NU defeat]Almadro said.

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