Lady Bulldogs launch SSL bid in style

MANILA, Philippines — Reigning champion National U ushered in its three-peat bid with a bang, taking down Ateneo, 25-12, 25-27, 25-16, 25-17, in the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Collegiate Pre-Season Championship Friday night at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Veterans Erin Pangilinan and Vange Alinsug took charge with 17 and 14 points, respectively, for a roaring start by the Lady Bulldogs in Pool A, even with the limited production of back-to-back SSL MVP Alyssa Solomon and UAAP MVP Bella Belen.

NU, also the defending champion in the UAAP and the SSL National Invitationals, only needed eight and seven points from Alas Pilipinas spikers Belen and Solomon, respectively, in limited play.

Lyann de Guzman had nine points for Ateneo, which slid to 1-1.

Unbeaten University of the East yesterday boosted its quarterfinal hopes by wiping out Mapua, 25-14, 25-20, 25-20, for its third straight win in Pool B.