UE exacts revenge on wasteful NU

SAN JUAN, Philippines – Exploiting NU's 39 errors throughout the match, the UE Lady Warriors were able to grab their second win of the season in four sets, 25-16, 25-18, 24-26, 25-16, in the 81st UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Centre on Wednesday.

Despite giving up six match points in the third set, the Lady Warriors were able to grind out the victory against the pesky Lady Bulldogs and start the second round of the eliminations on a high note.

Judith Abil clicked on all cylinders for the Lady Warriors, finishing the game with a triple-double (13 points, 32 excellent digs and 21 excellent receives).

Meanwhile, fellow senior Lai Bendong was the playmaker for UE. The graduating setter finished with 38 excellent sets.

The match started with both teams trading points early in the opening set.

But the Lady Warriors were able to pull away, courtesy of a 6-0 run in the middle of the set, 17-9.

The Lady Bulldogs tried to stage a run of their own but fell short on offense.

UE then struck first, 25-16.

It was a similar story come the second set, with the Lady Warriors creating distance early on.

UE doubled up on NU, 10-5.

Despite a flurry on offense late in the set from the Lady Bulldogs, the deficit proved too much as Abil gave UE the set and the commanding 2-0 lead, 25-18.

And again in the third set, UE held a comfortable lead at the middle of the set.

The match looked all but decided with UE already at match point, 24-18.

But the Lady Bulldogs have been known to persevere. Despite their youth, NU played with nerves of steel.

Going on a blistering 6-0 run, the Lady Bulldogs stayed alive and forced the fourth set, 26-24.

Eager to forget their third set loss, the Lady Warriors kept their composure.

Returning to their dominance before the third set, the Lady Warriors made sure to close out.

Abil took the reins for the Lady Warriors in the clutch and delivered them to the win, 25-16.

Cess Robles led the Lady Bulldogs with 13 points.

Both squads now sport identical 2-6 records.