UAAP Season 86 WVT: NU sends UE to fifth loss, La Salle claims third straight win at UP's expense

Last season's finalists National University and De La Salle University subdued their respective opponents in Round 1 of the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament eliminations at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, March 10.

The Lady Bulldogs and Lady Archers hiked their records to identical 5-1 win-loss slates after demolishing the University of the East Lady Warriors and the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons, respectively.

NU extended UE's misery to five games in a row with a straight-set victory, 25-13, 25-19, 25-16, behind the balanced performance of former Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player Bella Belen.

Belen tallied 11 points, 10 excellent digs, and five excellent receptions in National U's fifth straight victory following their season-opening defeat to the University of Sto. Tomas.

During the Lady Bulldogs' four-game winning streak, the 21-year-old outside hitter averaged 16.25 points, 12.5 excellent digs, and 9.25 excellent receptions, proving her all-around game.

UE, meanwhile, fell to their fifth loss in a row since beating Ateneo de Manila University in the season opener.

Vange Alinsug backstopped Belen in scoring with 9 points, while Aishat Bello added 7 markers, as nine other NU players registered at least two points led by the playmaking of setter Camille Lamina, who dished nine excellent sets.

The Season 84 champion dominated the attack department, 44-21, and the service line, 7-1, while posting a 7-1 edge in blocks.

For her part, libero Shaira Mae Jardio anchored the defensive end, accounting for NU's 13 of 34 digs and seven of 17 excellent receptions.

However, Norman Miguel's side continued to struggle to limit their errors. Against the Lady Warriors, they gave 24 free points – almost a set – in contrast to the former's 18 only.

Thankfully for Miguel and his company, Vital Obet's wards couldn't take advantage with a lone double-digit scorer.

Casiey Dongallo submitted 11 points built on 10 kills and one block in a losing effort for UE.

Riza Nogales chipped in six and Kc Cepada churned out five, as the Lady Warriors clinched the digs department over the Lady Bulldogs, 36-34.

This marks the third straight match the Recto-based volleybelles missed the service of original head coach Jerry Yee after the University Athletic Association of the Philippines suspended him for the rest of the season.

In the second game of the Sunday women's volleyball festivities, La Salle never let UP reach the 20-point mark in three sets for a 25-15, 25-17, 25-18 sweep.

Reigning MVP Angel Canino led the demolition job with a game-high 16 points from 13 attacks, two blocks, and an ace, as the Lady Archers claimed their third consecutive win.

Shevana Laput contributed nine markers, while Thea Gagate registered eight, with the Taft-based squad's towering net defense spelling the difference, 9-2.

La Salle's serving also troubled the lowly Oliver Almadro-mentored squad with a 4-1 edge in aces. Three of those service bombs came from their playmaker Julia Coronel, who produced nine excellent sets on top of four points.

UP, on the other hand, remained winless in five matches despite playing solid floor defense proven by their digs (39-34) and receptions (22-21).

Joan Marie Monarez figured in nine points – all from attacks – and eight successful receptions, followed by Nina Ytang and Irah Anika Jaboneta's seven markers each for the Lady Maroons but the Lady Archers were just too much to handle.