The NU Lady Bulldogs dealt the UST Golden Tigresses their first loss in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball after their impressive victory in four sets on Sunday, March 26.
National University ended the University of Santo Tomas' undefeated run in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament after an impressive four-set victory, 23-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20, in front of 10,947 fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, March 24.
In the fourth set, the Lady Bulldogs' deadly trio of Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and Vange Alinsug powered their way past the Golden Tigresses' defense, building a lead as big as five points at 17-12.
UST would trim the deficit to just two at 16-18, but Belen's back-to-back hits restored order for NU.
This proved to be the story in the succeeding points as the Lady Bulldogs had an answer for every Golden Tigresses run, with Solomon securing the win after an emphatic attack and a swift service ace.
Belen led NU wih 24 points on 21 attacks, two blocks, and one ace to go along with 13 excellent digs, while Alinsug and Solomon added 18 and 17 markers, respectively.
UST now sits with an 8-1 record, still first in the standings. NU moves to 7-2, joining champion De La Salle with identical records.
Angge Poyos tried her best for the Golden Tigresses, finishing with 18 points and 14 excellent receptions in a losing effort.