Lady Bulldogs bounce back, vent ire on Lady Warriors

MANILA, Philippines — After a heartbreaking loss in their last game, National University returned to the win column with a bang, mauling the University of the East Lady Warriors in straight sets, 25-19, 25-10, 25-19, Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Lady Bulldogs, who lost via reverse sweep against the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons last time around, bared their fangs and simply toyed with the Lady Warriors to grab the win in dominant fashion despite missing the services of rookie sensation Sam Cantada.

“Siyempre, we just have to be more consistent. Marami pa kaming kailangang matutunan, maintindihan with this new team, but we’re getting there,” NU head coach Regine Diego told reporters after the game.

“Hopefully next round, makabawi kami and magtuloy-tuloy ang wins namin. It’s just part of the journey, it makes the journey sweeter,” she added.

Arah Panique stood tall for the Lady Bulldogs anew with 12 points on 10 attacks and two blocks. Celine Marsh chipped in 11 markers and 12 digs, while Vange Alinsug produced 10 poiunts. Abegail Pono tossed up 15 excellent sets.

NU trailed by seven, 8-15, in the opening set against UE.

But the defending champions found their rhythm anew, finishing off the set with a 17-4 run to grab the set, 25-19.

This tipped the momentum firmly on the Lady Bulldogs’ side, as they cruised through for the victory.

Van Bangayan powered UE with 12 points while Khy Cepada had 10.

The Lady Bulldogs rose to 4-1, while the Lady Warriors dropped to 0-5.

Over at the men’s side, the Bulldogs swept the University of the East Red Warriors, 25-20, 25-13, 25-20 off of the stellar plays of Leo Ordiales, Jade Disquitado, Buds Buddin and Peng Taguibolos.

Ordiales finished with 14 points, with Disquitado seconding the effort with 13. Buddin and Taguibolos had 11 apiece.

Cjay Nabora, Raquin Aceron and Xjhann Camaymayan had eight apiece for UE.

NU rose to 4-1, while UE slipped to 1-4.

The Far Eastern University Tamaraws also remained unscathed through five games after a four-set triumph over the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 23-25, 26-24, 25-15, 25-19.

Mikko Espartero had 21 markers and 20 receptions, while Lirick Mendoza had 15.

Emmanuel Okeke powered the 2-3 Blue Eagles with 18 points.