Lady Bulldogs thunder past Blue Eagles

MANILA, Philippines — Titleholder National U warmed up for a heavyweight rematch against unbeaten rival La Salle with an easy 25-18, 25-18, 25-15 win over Ateneo in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Team captain Vange Alinsug cashed in 18 points while super rookie Sam Cantada returned from a one-game absence due to a leg injury and punched in six points for the Lady Bulldogs, who improved to 5-1.

The Lady Bulldogs solidified hold of second spot ahead of their clash against the Lady Spikers (5-0), next Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena to end the first round.

“Kilala ko ang teammates ko kung gaano namin gusto manalo, hindi lang sa championship, kumbaga from the start,” said Alinsug.

Alinsug poured the bulk of her output in the first two sets to set the tone as Cantada, after going down with a shin injury in their lone loss against the third-running UP Fighting Maroons, took over from midway through the second set onwards.

Later, Alyzza Devosora fired 15 points as Far Eastern U swept UP (3-2), 25-13, 25-21, 25-16, to notch its third straight win and claim solo third spot at 4-2.