Still perfect, no pressure: NU dismantles UE, coasts to 4-0 start

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

Even in a one-sided win, the NU Lady Bulldogs see room for improvement as the defending champions stay unbeaten halfway through the UAAP volleyball first round

MANILA, Philippines – The cruise continues for the defending champions. 

The NU Lady Bulldogs extended their unbeaten start to four games after dominating the UE Lady Warriors, 25-12, 25-11, 25-20, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, March 1. 

The Lady Bulldogs stand atop the standings with four wins in as many matches, while adding to the Lady Warriors’ woes as they fell to a 0-4 record. 

“The important part for us right now is to improve each game,” NU head coach Sherwin Meneses said in Filipino. “With our system, the hope is to make the game easier for the girls.”

Bella Belen led NU with 18 points, 8 excellent digs, and 6 receptions, while Vange Alinsug added 10 markers to steer the Lady Bulldogs to a dominant win. 

“We’re not thinking of the unbeaten record yet,” Belen said in Filipino. “If we think of our record right now, we might feel some pressure, or we’d be very conscious about it. We are just focused on our goal this season, regardless of if we lose a game or not.”

Erin Pangilinan also had 8 points, while Alyssa Solomon contributed 6 markers for the Lady Bulldogs. 

KC Cepada and Nessa Bangayan put up 7 points apiece as no Lady Warriors scored in double digits in the loss. 

UE led in the third set, 10-8, before the Lady Bulldogs regained their form, through a 13-7 blast to take control en route to the sweep. 

NU dominated the attacking department, 45-16, to control the game from start to finish. 

The Lady Bulldogs will next face the UP Lady Maroons on March 9, at the Mall of Asia Arena, while the Lady Warriors will look to bounce back against the La Salle Lady Spikers on March 8. – Rappler.com