Defending champions NU Lady Bulldogs go for 2-0 against the wounded Ateneo Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 87.
Fresh off a commanding statement win, the NU Lady Bulldogs aim to keep their momentum going as they face the Ateneo Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball action on Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The defending champion Lady Bulldogs opened their title defense in dominant fashion, sweeping former Finals rival DLSU in straight sets behind the stellar play of Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon. Belen tallied 14 points, while Solomon added 13, as NU flexed its firepower early in the season.
[RELATED: Bella Belen, champion NU Lady Bulldogs assert status with sweep of UAAP rival La Salle]
Now, NU (1-0) turns its focus to Ateneo (0-1), a team desperate for a bounce-back win.
The Blue Eagles had a golden opportunity to start their campaign on a high but faltered after leading 2-0 against Adamson, ultimately falling in five sets. AC Miner stood out with an 18-point performance, but Ateneo will need a more complete effort to challenge NU’s balanced attack.
With a chance to start 2-0 and reaffirm their status as the team to beat, expect the Lady Bulldogs to bring their trademark aggression. Meanwhile, Ateneo will be fighting to avoid an early skid in a season where every win matters.
Will NU continue to impose its dominance, or can Ateneo pull off an early-season stunner? First serve is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
(With reports from Luisa Morales)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]