The National University Lady Bulldogs’ Bella Belen. Photo from UAAP Media. 

MANILA (UPDATED) — National University needed five sets to tally their first win in UAAP Season 86.

This, after the Lady Bulldogs outlasted Ateneo de Manila University, 25-17, 24-26, 26-28, 25-19, 15-7 in the league’s women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Former rookie-MVP Bella Belen finished with 21 points, 24 digs, and 10 receptions as the squad from Jhocson improved to 1-1. 

Vange Alinsug followed with 19 points, 11 digs, and seven receptions, while Chamyy Maaya and Alyssa Solomon ended up with 15 and 12, respectively

"Isa po sa pinaghuhugutan namin or ako is yung pagkatalo namin nung last game namin against UST. Mahirap po yung pinagdaanan namin ngayon pero I'm really happy kasi halos lahat ng nasa lineup nagamit and nakita namin kung ano yung potential ng mga bago namin," said Belen during the post-game interview.

After winning the opener, NU was stunned by the Ateneans in the second and third frames as the Blue Eagles won consecutive sets to take a commanding 2-1 lead.

But this is when the Season 84 Champions and 85 Finalists turned the switch on to avoid enduring their second straight defeat in Season 86.

The Lady Bulldogs rediscovered their form in the fourth to tie the game at two sets apiece, and they then took care of business early in the fifth, building a 12-4 lead after a kill from Alinsug.

An error from De Guzman and NU blocking her attempt propelled NU to match point, and another rejection of Lyann’s attack finally capped off the game for the Lady Bulldogs. 

This spoiled Sobe Buena’s 16 points that were built on 14 attacks, a block, and an ace, while AC Miner, Zel Tsunashima, and De Guzman put up 14, 12, and 11, respectively.

The Lady Bulldogs’ next assignment will be Adamson University on Wednesday at 2 PM, while Ateneo will be locking horns against their Katipunan neighbors University of the Philippines later that same day at 4 PM.

Both games will be held at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

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