UAAP: NU sweeps La Salle to open title-retention bid

Metro Manila, Philippines - The National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs swept the De La Salle University Lady Spikers, 25-23, 25-21, 25-18, to open their title defense bid in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Reigning Most Valuable Player Bella Belen led the way for NU with 14 points on 10 attacks, three aces, and a kill block in front of a crowd of more than 16,000.

Lams Lamina had 20 excellent sets alongside eight excellent digs, while Shaira Jardio tallied 11 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs for the Lady Bulldogs.

It was a tight contest in the first two sets with NU relying on its championship composure to establish the commanding edge going into the third frame.

Shevannah Laput was the lone player from the Lady Spikers who finished in double figures with 18 points. Angel Canino struggled to find her groove as she only contributed seven markers for La Salle.

The Lady Bulldogs will next tackle the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Feb. 19 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City, while the Lady Spikers battle the Adamson University Lady Falcons on Feb. 22 in the same venue.