Lady Bulldogs send strong statement in first round sweep

MANILA, Philippines — They can beat up the opposition, exchange haymakers, and remain the last ones standing in an epic slugfest.

This is the statement that the National University Lady Bulldogs just made after sweeping the first round of the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament, their title repeat bid looking a lot more realistic through seven games.

NU dominated in five games then showed resilience when tested by Far Eastern University and the University of Santo Tomas which both pushed the reigning champ to the limit.

The Lady Tamaraws charged at the Lady Bulldogs early in the season but the Sherwin Meneses-mentored team just wouldn't budge to claim a 25-15, 23-25, 24-26, 25-23, 15-8 win on February 23.

Then, the Golden Tigresses threw it all they could but the ladies in blue and gold stayed composed for a 23-25, 25-17, 19-25, 25-18, 15-9 triumph and a sweep of the first round on March 16.

In both matches, NU, which swept the other five teams, had to climb from a 1-2 set hole and slug it out against UST and FEU in the decider, showing steely nerves in cardiac battles.

Lady Bulldogs barking loud

Behind NU's pristine run were five of the Lady Bulldogs' starting six who cracked the top six of separate statistical categories after the first round.

Alyssa Solomon, the reigning Finals MVP and Best Opposite Spiker, is sixth in scoring with 116 points.

Solomon is third in spiking with a success rate of 35.96 percent about six percent lower than the leader which is her teammate Vange Alisnug who posted a 41.67 percent success rate.

Over at the net, Solomon is top two with a 0.64 blocks average by set and then on the floor shining has been her teammate and reigning MVP Bella Belen.

Belen, who is the top server with a 0.68 average by set, is sixth in digging with 2.60 average by set and fifth in receiving with a 33.58 percent efficiency.

Of course, NU's bona fide libero Shaira Jardio is coming through as well, placing third in digging with a 2.92 average by set and second in receiving with a 41.76 percent efficiency.

Last but not the least is the Lady Bulldogs playmaker in Lams Lamina, who leads the setting category with a 5.08 average by set.

The second round of games are still ahead but with what they've shown and the numbers their players posted, the Lady Bulldogs look poised to defend their crown.