Belen takes charge as NU cruises past Adamson (Sabong News)
Author
Carlo Anolin
Date
MAY 05 2022
Michaela Belen took charge of the young National University squad as it cruised past Adamson, 25-15, 25-23, 25-18, in the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Thursday, May 5.
Belen fired 14 points off 13 attacks and a block to lead the Lady Bulldogs to their first win in straight sets.
Alyssa Solomon led all scorers with 15 points built on 11 kills, three blocks, and a service ace while Princess Robles chipped in 12 points for NU.
Belen, alongside, Jen Nierva and Ivy Lacsina, brought out experience from suiting up in the national team and did not disappoint in the collegiate scene.
“Masaya kami dahil nakuha namin ‘yong unang panalo pero marami pa kaming kailangan ayusin, marami pa ‘yong kailangan naming i-improve,” said Lady Bulldogs head coach Karl Dimaculangan. “Pero mabilis lang ‘yong tournament kaya siguro kailangan makapag-adjust din kami.”
Belen and Lacsina connived for late conversions and create more distance down the stretch before Sheena Toring and Robles put the finishing touches for the Lady Bulldogs.
A Solomon error and a Lorene Toring conversion pumped life for Adamson and trailed at 23-18 but another Toring in Sheena and Robles spoiled the Falcons’ late comeback.
Toring paced the Lady Falcons with eight markers while Aliah Marce, May Ann Nuique, Lucille Almonte, and Rizza Cruz all had five points each.
NU made quick work of Adamson in the first set as Belen and Solomon joined forces before overcoming nip-and-tuck affair in the second set.
NU faces Ateneo on Saturday, May 7 in the 10 a.m. curtain-raiser while Adamson squares off with De La Salle at 12 noon.
