NU beats UST, nears UAAP title redemption

National University defeated University of Santo Tomas in straight sets, 25-23, 25-20, 25-20, in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball finals on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to inch closer to the crown.

The Lady Bulldogs showed their championship experience as it led 18-13 in the third set before eventually taking the win.

UST, however, became short-handed against NU as Angge Poyos twisted her ankle in the second set after a bad landing on the foot of her teammate Em Banagua.

Only five players scored for National U as Alyssa Solomon paced the Lady Bulldogs with 17 points from 14 attacks and three blocks, while Bella Belen had 13 points. Vange Alinsug registered 12 points, Sheena Toring had 10 points, while Erin Pangilinan had five points. Camille Lamina, meanwhile, had 17 excellent sets.

Jonna Perdido scored 17 for the Golden Tigresses, while Reg Jurado had 10 points.

Game 2 of the best-of-three series will be played on Wednesday.

This is NU's third straight season in the UAAP finals stage as it won the title in Season 84.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News