The NU Lady Bulldogs withstood a challenge from the UP Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament on Wednesday, March 20.
National University got back to its winning ways as it notched a 25-21, 30-32, 25-17, 25-19, victory over University of the Philippines to strengthen their grip of the third spot in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, March 20.
The Lady Bulldogs, fresh from their five-set heartbreak against La Salle the last time out, succumbed to a gritty Fighting Maroons squad in the second set but held their ground in the last two frames to secure their sixth win in eight outings.
UP failed to follow up on its huge breakthrough win against University of the East the last time out as it dropped to a 1-7 slate for eighth.
NU overcame a slow start to bag the first set but got outdueled by the Fighting Maroons in a nip-and-tuck second set battle.
UP, boosted by its previous victory that arrested its lengthy 17-game skid, pulled off a stunner as it fortified its net defense in crunch time to take the frame, 32-30, and force a standoff.
The Lady Bulldogs, who swept the Fighting Maroons in the first round, were eager to score the repeat as they quickly bounced back with a dominant showing in the third set.
With momentum on their side, NU distanced itself early on in the fourth before second stringers Arah Panique, Myrtle Escanlar and Sheena Toring delivered the finishing blows.
Vange Alinsug finished with a game-high 24 points that went with 12 excellent receptions for the Lady Bulldogs.
Bella Belen also came through with another all-around outing of 21 markers and 13 excellent receptions.
Steph Bustrillo supplied 17 points while rookie Pling Baclay chalked up 10 markers, nine of which from blocks, for the Fighting Maroons.