The NU Lady Bulldogs fired past UST Golden Tigresses, who lost Angge Poyos due to a right ankle injury, in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament on Saturday, May 11.
National University inched closer to recapturing the UAAP women's volleyball crown, dominating the University of Santo Tomas in straight sets, 25-23, 25-20, 25-20, in Game 1 of the Season 86 Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, May 11.
In front of 20,955 spectators at the Big Dome, the Lady Bulldogs pounced on the Golden Tigresses, who saw super rookie Angge Poyos go down with a right ankle injury in the second set.
Alyssa Solomon had her way with the UST defense as she finished with 17 points on 14 attacks and three blocks, a strong return to form after struggling in the Final Four. Bella Belen added 13 points for NU, along with eight excellent digs and six excellent receptions.
NU started the game on a strong note, taking an early a 9-3 lead on the backs of Solomon and Vange Alinsug.
But showing some fight in them were the Golden Spikers, who ended up even taking the lead at 19-18.
As the two teams jousted in the endgame, it was Alinsug who scored NU's last two points to take the set 1 victory.
In the second set, it was UST's turn to start off strong until tragedy struck for the España-based squad.
Tied at 11-all in the second, Angge Poyos twisted her right ankle after landing on the heel of teammate Em Banagua, forcing her to miss the rest of the game.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: UST star Angge Poyos exits Game 1 of the Finals after apparent ankle injury]
Without their super rookie, the Lady Bulldogs pounced on the Golden Tigresses as they snatched the second set in convincing fashion.
NU, with all the confidence and momentum, took charge in the decisive third set, building a five-point lead at 18-13.
Despite UST's fight back, NU handled its business with Alinsug sealing Game 1 with an off-the-block combination play.
Alinsug contributed 12 markers in the win, while Sheena Toring had 10 points for the Lady Bulldogs.
Jonna Perdido and Regina Jurado led UST with 17 and 10 points, respectively.
Game 2 of the Finals will be on Wednesday, May 15 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay at 4:00 p.m.