Reporting note: this article draws on tiebreakertimes.com.ph; LodiScore provides the summary and editorial framing.
Unbeaten Runs Intact as Title Contenders Flex Muscles
Looking for drama early in the UAAP Season 89 High School Girls' Volleyball Tournament? You might have to wait until Tuesday. Defending champion National University Nazareth School (NUNS) and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) both took care of business in dominant fashion on Sunday night at the Blue Eagle Gym, claiming straight-set sweeps to keep their clean sheets intact before colliding in a marquee showdown.
The Lady Bullpups needed just 56 minutes to dismantle De La Salle-Zobel, racing to a 25-10, 25-14, 25-14 rout. Fifteen-year-old rookie Xyz Rayco once again looked like a seasoned veteran on the floor, racking up 13 points behind eight attacks and four service aces while adding 11 receptions. Jhaynna Bulandres and Adeleine Agustin provided support with seven markers each, while playmaker Micaella Gould orchestrated the offense with 16 excellent sets.
NUNS head coach Karl Dimaculangan emptied his bench throughout the blowout, making sure everyone got a feel for live-game reps.
“Siguro, yung isang inaano sa player na nakikita namin kung ano yung kulang namin, at the same time, sino yung puwede naming panggamitan sa mga susunod na games,” Dimaculangan noted. “Siguro yun yung malaking bagay sa ‘min. Everyone can step up.”
Junior Tigresses Hold Off FEU-Diliman Behind Balanced Attack
Over on the other court, UST spoiled the season debut of Far Eastern University-Diliman with a methodical 25-21, 25-21, 25-20 sweep. Adrianna Menchavez sparked the Junior Golden Tigresses with 13 points and five digs, keeping the FEU-Diliman defense guessing all evening.
Erin Sotto added nine points, including three big blocks at the net, while Mary Nicole Palaez and Taj Teves chipped in six points each. Libero Chasliey Pepito anchored the back row, pulling off 13 receptions and seven digs to blunt FEU's counterpunches. The Lady Tamaraws got a massive 18-point outing from Ifnanya Udeagbala and 11 points from Alexa Amana, but unforced errors and UST's steady floor coverage kept the lead out of reach.
“Malaking momentum para sa amin kasi last year hindi kami nanalo sa FEU,” said UST head coach Kungfu Reyes. “So this time, at least maganda yung start namin. Ayun naman yung gusto naming mangyari, na makuha namin yung mga iniensayo namin sa UST.”
Adamson Enters Win Column with Sweep over Ateneo
In Sunday’s other girls' fixture, Adamson University bounced back from an opening-day loss to NUNS by subduing the Ateneo Blue Eagles in straight sets, 25-15, 25-17, 25-23. Ella Gonzalvo spearheaded the Lady Baby Falcons with a game-high 18 points, while Kristal Joy Martin turned in a complete stat line of 15 points, 11 receptions, and seven digs. Naihma Banal led Ateneo in defeat with nine markers and five digs.
“We thank the Lord for a good result today,” said Adamson head coach JP Yude. “Kailangan lang trabahuhin everything—character, attitude, skills wise, sa passing namin, sa during pressure moments.”
What’s Next: Clash of the Unbeatens
Who takes the early driver's seat in the standings? We won't have to wait long to find out. NUNS and UST go head-to-head this Tuesday, 1:00 p.m. at the Paco Arena in an early rematch between two legitimate championship contenders.
