REIGNING UAAP women’s champion National University turned back Letran, 25-23, 25-21, 23-25, 25-11, for a winning start in the V-League Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena yesterday.

Stepping up without their top guns due to national team commitments, Kaye Bombita, Mrtyle Escanlar and rookie Celine Marsh combined for 45 points to help the Lady Bulldogs chalk up their first victory.

Building on the momentum of its five-set victory conquest of Far Eastern University last week, University of the Philippines swept past Lyceum of the Philippines University with a 25-16, 25-23, 15-25, 25-20 win.

NU missed its star players Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon and Arah Panique, who are currently with Alas Pilipinas for the SEA V League Week 2 in Thailand.

Bombita led the Lady Bulldogs with 19 points, including three service aces and two blocks, Escanlar also had two blocks for a 16-point effort while Marsh chipped in 10 points and collected nine digs.

“We still need maturity, especially with the rookies and less experienced players, so this win is a big boost for the team and their confidence,” said NU assistant coach Karl Dimaculangan.

Nica Celis and Kassy Doering spearheaded the Fighting Maroons attack in the decisive fourth set, leading the Diliman-based spikers to their second consecutive win after a tough five-set loss to the Lady Knights.

“It’s a positive note for us because, as you know, 70 percent of the UP lineup this year are rookies. We’re happy that most of the rookies are delivering. We can use some of the rookies, but what we need is consistency and maturity,” said coach Oliver Almadro, reflecting on his team’s performance.

Niña Ytang shone with 16 points, including four blocks, while Doering had six blocks for a 14-point outing for the Fighting Maroons. Irah Jaboneta contributed 10 points, seven receptions and six digs while Celis fired a match-best four service aces to finish with nine points.

Letran dropped to 1-1 in a tie with FEU and University of the East, while LPU fell at 0-2 to level with NCAA holders College of Saint Benilde at the bottom of the standings.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado