Lady Bulldogs still as dangerous after opening title defense by crushing Blue Eagles

New season. A new beginning. A new set of challenges. NU Lady Bulldogs? Still the same.

The National University (NU) opened the UAAP Season 85 volleyball tournament the way the Lady Bulldogs finished last, with a victory that confirmed the defending champion’s readiness to make a more dominant run.

NU threw a wrecking ball at the Ateneo Blue Eagles, resulting in a 25-15, 25-20, 25-16 demolition at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“It’s a new season and a new beginning. We did well in other tournaments, but here in the UAAP, it’s different. We have to be very prepared against every team we play,” said NU coach Karl Dimaculangan.

Strange? It might just be because the Lady Bulldogs look more rounded this year after easily extending their unbeaten run to 19 games starting in the 2020 season.

It is believed that the old highlights for the kings who ruled. Alyssa Solomon was ruthless as she led a balanced attack with 12 points that included two kill blocks. Princess Robles added seven kills to her 11 points, while Mhicaela Belen, who won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Rookie of the Year awards last season, finished with eight points.

First start

“We can do what we have done in practice. But it will be a long tournament and we must continue to improve,” said Solomon, MVP of the Shakey SuperLeague where NU also had a perfect title three months ago.

Solomon, Belen, Robles and Sheena Toring joined first-time starter Erin Pangilinan in the opening set as NU emerged from a tight back-and-forth contest. Protecting a precarious one-point advantage, the Lady Bulldogs suddenly took the lead with a 10-1 attack that tore Ateneo apart.

“I am satisfied but at the same time, I will not be satisfied. I am willing to improve,” said Pangilinan. “I still need to improve my connection with the setter, which is very critical, and my service.”

Pangilinan takes over the role of Ivy Lacsina, who turned pro after NU’s title victory last season.

“I’m a little nervous to start the game because I still don’t know how I’ll do with the team,” she said. “But of course they already had hope for me. With the help of our experience in Shakey and our training, I was able to gel with them and I didn’t have a difficult time.

The Lady Bulldogs were hardly threatened in the next two sets.

“We played well, but I think we still have a lot of things and areas to improve on,” Belen said.

Adamson made short work of Eastern University, 25-19, 25-9, 25-5, during the curtain-raiser.

Lucille Almonte was at the forefront of the Lady Falcons’ merciless attack, contributing 12 points on 10 attacks on top of two blocks and eight digs.

“Our game plan is anchored to stop two aggressive players and it’s good we can adjust quickly,” said Almonte in Filipino.

Adamson thrives in this new system under coach Jerry Yee, one of which will be tested to the hilt with the initial matchup against the Lady Bulldogs on Saturday.

“Expecting this year that we will be more aggressive and hungry to get those wins,” Almonte said.

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