NU survives FEU's challenge, extends win streak in women's volley

Defending champion National University (NU) held off a resilient Far Eastern University (FEU) in a thrilling-five set match, winning 25-15, 23-25, 24-26, 25-23, 15-8, to remain unbeaten in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Sunday, February 23, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

After dropping the second and third sets to the Lady Tamaraws, Alyssa Solomon took charge, leading the Lady Bulldogs in the fourth set to a 24-21 advantage.

FEU's Faida Bakanke and Jaz Ellarina narrowed the gap, but Bakanke's final attack went out of bounds, and a video challenge failed to overturn the call.

Solomon carried her momentum into the fifth set, while Bella Belen contributed with a crucial ace and a net touch violation by FEU, giving NU an 8-3 lead. Erin Pangilinan extended the lead to 12-7, sealing the win with her signature finger-wag celebration.

Solomon finished with 23 points, including 19 kills and four blocks, while Belen added 21 markers, including 13 attacks and seven aces. Vange Alinsug also contributed 19 points and 15 excellent receptions, while setter Lams Lamina dished out 23 excellent sets.

NU coach Sherwin Meneses praised the team's composure, especially during the comeback from a 2-1 deficit. He acknowledged FEU as a strong contender and emphasized the team's ability to recover under pressure, thanks to their seasoned players.

"I really expected FEU to be a strong contender this season. We just prepared for any situation that may arise, whether we’re ahead or not, composure should always be there because, of course, many teams really want to beat NU," said Meneses. 

"I'm thankful to the players that we were able to recover after being down 2-1. Our team is really made up of veterans, and they're always there during crucial points that the team needs. We’re happy that we were able to recover."

FEU, on the other hand, now has a 1-2 record after back-to-back losses, including a tough defeat to the University of the Philippines (UP) earlier in the week. 

Jean Asis led the Lady Tamaraws with 20 points, including three blocks, while Bakanke added 12. Former NU player Jaz Ellarina contributed 11 markers in the loss, and Gerz Petallo added seven points along with 19 receptions and 11 digs.