MANILA – National University Lady Bulldogs weathered a tough stand by Adamson University Lady Falcons for a 25-22, 25-19, 25-27, 22-25, 15-10 win in UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Alyssa Solomon erupted for 28 points, on 27 attacks and a service ace. Mhicaela Belen produced an all-around performance of 23 points, 18 excellent receptions, and 12 digs.
Ilongga Princess Robles added 13 points, including three service aces, while Erin Pangilinan also breached double figures with 12 points for the Lady Bulldogs.
It was the second victory in as many games for the defending champions Lady Bulldogs. They also stretched their winning streak to 20 games dating back to Season 82.
Also, this was the Lady Bulldogs’ first five-setter since March 4, 2020 when it escaped University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses, 22-25, 25-23, 20-25, 25-20, 15-13.
“Na-force rin kami ni Adamson talaga na maglaro kung hanggang saan kami. Magandang experience din siya kasi last season walang fifth set,” said Lady Bulldogs head coach Karl Dimaculangan.
The Lady Falcons established a huge 16-10 lead in the third set but Solomon took charge for NU’s comeback to take a 25-24 lead but an error from her followed by back-to-back hits by Trisha Tubu and Kate Santiago gave Adamson the set.
Rizza Cruz then showed her might in the fourth, taking care of the Lady Falcons’ last four points, three coming off blocks, to extend the game to a deciding frame, 25-22.
With the Lady Falcons just within one in the fifth, 9-10, Belen started NU’s pull-away with back-to-back crosscourt kills before Pangilinan, Solomon, and Camilla Lamina added up to finish the match, 15-10.
Santiago led the Lady Falcons with 20 points and 15 excellent receptions, while Tubu and Lorene Toring chimed in with 16 and 12 points, respectively. They dropped to 1-1./PN
