The NU Lady Bulldogs endured a ferocious response from the UST Golden Tigresses before securing their opening game victory in UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball.
Defending champion National U recovered from a third-set wobble as it upended University of Santo Tomas, 25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 26-24, for a winning start in UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball at a packed Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Sunday, Feb. 15.
The Lady Bulldogs held a 2-0 set lead behind Arah Panique and rookie ace Sam Cantada, but could not get the job done quickly after the Golden Tigresses steeled themselves and took the third.
Avril Bron and Xyza Gula scored clutch points in the frame to force the extension.
[ALSO READ: Adamson pummels Ateneo for strong start to UAAP Season 88 women's volley bid]
UST set the pace in the fourth, but Cantada took the reins to swing back momentum to NU.
Cantada scored seven of the last 10 points in the crucial stretch as the Lady Bulldogs frustrated the Golden Tigresses.
The three-peat seeking Lady Bulldogs return to action Wednesday, Feb. 18, against fellow opening weekend winner Adamson Lady at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.
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Luisa Morales is a sportswriter with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.