NU sweeps UST in UAAP S87 volleyball to end first round strong

National University (NU) reaffirmed its dominance in both men’s and women’s volleyball, securing crucial victories over the University of Santo Tomas (UST) to close the first round of the UAAP Season 87 tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, March 16.

The defending champion NU Lady Bulldogs outlasted the UST Golden Tigresses in a thrilling five-set battle, 23-25, 25-17, 19-25, 25-18, 15-9, to complete an unbeaten first round in the women’s division.

The rematch of last season’s Finals, which NU swept to claim their second title in three seasons, drew 12,970 fans. The win extended NU’s streak to 10 straight victories dating back to last season’s Final Four and marked their fourth consecutive win over UST.  

Alyssa Solomon led the charge with 24 points, while two-time MVP Bella Bellen contributed 19 markers, 17 digs, and 15 receptions. Vange Alinsug added 17 points, and setter Camilla Lamina tallied a season-high 33 excellent sets.

UST, which saw its five-game winning streak snapped, dropped to 5-2, tying De La Salle University for second place. Regina Jurado paced the Golden Tigresses with 16 points, while Angge Poyos was held to 13 points on a 12-of-56 spiking clip.  

In the men’s division, the NU Bulldogs secured a hard-fought 16-25, 25-20, 25-21, 29-27 win over the UST Golden Spikers, finishing the first round with a 6-1 record behind unbeaten Far Eastern University (7-0).  

NU, which defeated UST in the last two Finals, continued its mastery over the Golden Spikers. The Bulldogs overcame UST’s relentless challenge in the fourth set, saving two match points before Leo Aringo sealed the win with a crucial block.

Aringo led NU with 13 markers, while Jade Disquitado added 12. Setter Jeffe Gallego orchestrated the offense with 21 excellent sets.

UST (4-3) fell into a three-way tie for third with Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University.

Josh Ybañez top-scored for the Golden Spikers with 17 points, while Jay Rack Dela Noche and JJ Macam contributed 16 and 15, respectively.  

With both NU squads proving their championship pedigree, they head into the second round as the teams to beat in UAAP Season 87.