Defending champion National University (NU) returned to the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball win column after a stunning loss to University of the Philippines (UP) last Wednesday.
The Lady Bulldogs recovered with a four-set victory over Far Eastern University (FEU), 25-22, 24-26, 26-24, 25-18, in their Round 2 matchup on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
NU improved to 9-1, led by Alyssa Solomon, who delivered an explosive 30-point performance along with four digs.
“Thankful ako sa nangyari sa UP game namin kasi para sa’kin nakita ko siya as a wake-up call,” said Solomon, the Alas Pilipinas standout. “Dapat ‘di kami maging complacent kahit number one kami. After ng game na ‘yon, nag-move forward agad kami at trinabaho namin kung ano yung dapat trabahuhin.”
Bella Belen also shined with 18 points, 14 digs, and 14 receptions, while Vange Alinsug and Lams Lamina contributed 13 points and 30 excellent sets, respectively.
FEU made a late push in the fourth set, cutting a nine-point deficit (19-10) to just three (20-17), but NU showed composure—a stark contrast to their previous match. Belen took charge in the final stretch to seal the win for the Lady Bulldogs.
Despite Bakanke’s 21-point, six-dig effort, FEU dropped to 6-4 in the standings.