Belen, Solomon star as vengeful NU ends UST streak

Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon led from the front as National University avenged its first round loss against erstwhile undefeated University of Santo Tomas, 23-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20, in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Belen finished with a triple-double performance of 24 points built on 21 attacks, two blocks, and an ace alongside 13 digs and 10 receptions while Solomon posted 17 markers highlighted by the last two points. 

The Lady Bulldogs improved to 7-2 for a solo third spot while ending the Golden Tigresses' magical 8-0 winning streak as the España crew dropped to 8-1. 

Solomon delivered clutch hits after completing a drop ball to bring NU to match point at 24-20 before she served up the game-winning ace as Detdet Pepito and Angge Poyos had a costly miscommunication on the receiving end. 

The win was a revenge for NU, which lost to the same school in their opening game clash last February 18. Since then, UST had won its next seven games while NU emerged victorious in six of its next seven games. 

Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University added to the growing woes of the rebuilding University of the Philippines with a 25-14, 25-20, 25-15 sweep victory. 

Geezel Tsunashima led the charge for the Blue Eagles with a team-high 16 points anchored on 13 attacks and three blocks on top of two receptions. 

The Blue Eagles improved to 3-6 while the Fighting Maroons slipped to 1-8. 

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News