Lady Bulldogs grab solo second  

MANILA, Philippines — Defending titlist National U moved on the cusp of securing a twice-to-beat edge, exacting sweet vengeance on Santo Tomas with a 25-16, 25-21, 17-25, 25-14 win in UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Alyssa Solomon and Mhicaela Belen delivered 17 and 16 points, respectively, as the Lady Bulldogs broke a tie with the Golden Tigresses and seized solo second spot at 10-3. Santo Tomas slid to third, tied with Adamson at 9-4.

The rampaging NU, with its fifth straight win, holds its own fate to clinch the No. 2 seed and the other win-once bonus after No. 1 La Salle (12-1) with a win against Ateneo on Saturday.

Belen added 12 receptions with Jen Nierva (10 digs and 16 receptions) and Lams Lamina (14 sets) setting the table in NU’s bounce-back win after a 23-25, 25-27, 25-17, 25-22, 11-15 loss to UST in the first round.

“We’re happy na isang game na lang makukuha na namin yung twice-to-beat. One game at a time and we’ll get there,” said Belen, the reigning MVP.

Save for a third-set defeat, the Lady Bulldogs were in their element all game long.