NIKOLE JAVIER

National University produced another milestone, winning the Shakey’s Super League Pre-season Collegiate Conference undefeated Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. 

Showing the form that enabled them to sweep the UAAP championship last season, the Lady Bulldogs demolished the La Salle Spikers, 25-23, 25-20, 25-19, to proclaim themselves as the country’s premier collegiate squad.

Alyssa Solomon finished with 15 points off 10 attacks, three aces and one block including the last two points in the third set to secure the straight-set win.

So ferocious were the Lady Bulldogs they have not dropped a single set against their UAAP rival this year.

In all, NU won all its eight games, a testament to its readiness to defend its UAAP crown in the coming season.

Up 11 in the second frame (16-5), NU had to come to its senses as La Salle crawled back to close the gap at 23-20 before Leila Cruz committed a service error and Alleiah Malaluan was denied by Solomon at the net, effectively putting the former up by two sets to none. 

Despite being down by two in the final frame, 17-15, the Lady Bulldogs quickly responded courtesy of Pricess Robles’ down-the-line attack and Camille Lamina’s ace to tie the set once more. 

From then on, it was all NU show to wrap up the winner-take-all match.

Angel Canino paced La Salle with14 points.

Meantime, Adamson survived University of Santo Tomas in five thrilling sets 25-27, 25-20, 16-25, 25-22, 15-11 to capture the bronze medal.

Trisha Tubu showed the way for the Lady Falcons with 18 points off 15 attacks, two aces and one block.

After a tight opening set, Adamson got the work done as its unloaded a barrage of thunderous spikes that silenced UST supporters.