By Emy Manipol
PASIG--After their lackluster performance during their season-opener, the National University Lady Bulldogs tallied their first win of UAAP Season 78 after downing the Adamson University Lady Falcons in four sets, 17-25, 25-20, 25-20, 25-20, at the PhilSports Arena on Saturday.
NU had a shaky start as Adamson managed to outgun the Bulldogs led by Jema Galanza and May Roque.
Rookie setter Ria Doria got the starting tap from Coach Roger Gorayeb, but Doria’s sets were too predictable during the first set that prompted Coach Gorayeb to replace her with veteran playmaker Ivy Perez.
AdU had a blistering start that caught NU’s defense of guard that allowed them to build an early lead and later on pocket the set 17-25.
The ladies in blue and gold, however, soon found their groove anchored in their better floor coverage and ball distribution.
Dorio redeemed herself by dishing better sets to her teammates.
The Lady Bulldogs countered with their version of an offensive juggernaut spearheaded by towering Jaja Santiago, team captain Myla Pablo and Jorelle Singh.
Adamson had moments of spurts when they managed to cut the lead of NU in several occasions, but the Lady Falcons kept shooting themselves in the foot due to their multiple errors.
Despite ‘outspiking’ the Lady Buldogs, Adamson lost the next three sets due to their inability to receive and capitalize on their offensive opportunity that were pointed out Coach Sherwin Meneses during all the timeouts he called during the entirety of the match.
NU bagged their first win of the season after being outclassed by defending champions Ateneo last week.
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