Can NU end the first round of UAAP Season 85 with a 6-1 record?
The top dogs are back.
Reigning Most Valuable Player Mhicaela Belen and UAAP Season 84 Best Libero Jen Nierva show their return to form against the University of the East Lady Red Warriors wasn't a fluke, as the National University Lady Bulldogs swept the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 25-21, 25-9, 25-18 on Saturday.
The Bulldogs dominated every department, notably making a total of 41 attacks against the Tamaraws' 18.
It was quite the dog show for Belen, who notched 16 points from 14 attacks, a block, and an ace, along with 10 excellent receptions.
Nierva also had a notable performance with 11 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions.
Just a week ago, the two stars were benched in a five-set win against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.
Now all eyes are on next Wednesday's match, the last game day of the first round, as the defending champions face their Season 84 finals dance partner—the De La Salle Lady Spikers.
The squad in green, bannering super rookie Angel Canino, has yet to taste defeat this season.
"Excited na kami kasi matagal namin silang 'di nakalaban," said Belen.
Coach Karl Dimaculangan added they would have to study DLSU's match this Sunday against the formidable Adamson Lady Falcons, who are sitting at second place with a 4-1 record.
Dimaculangan says scouting that game well will allow NU to draw up a solid game plan for the upcoming clash of titans.
(With reports from Rainier Mira, One Sports Digital)