Reigning four-time girls’ champion National University swept UP Integrated School, 25-5, 25-20, 25-10, to stay perfect Sunday in the UAAP Season 81 high school volleyball tournament at the Far Eastern University-Diliman Gym.
Jessa Ordiales had eight points, Alyssa Solomon had three service aces to finish with seven hits while Minerva Maaya also added seven points for the Bullpups.
With its ninth consecutive win, NU is just three victories away from claiming an outright finals’ berth.
Angel Canino had 23 points, 14 receptions, and seven digs, while Alleiah Malaluan added nine hits, nine digs and 10 receptions as second-running De La Salle-Zobel prevailed over University of the East, 25-20, 30-28, 25-19, to formalize its semifinals entry with its seventh win in nine matches.
Adamson University outlasted Far Eastern University-Diliman, 25-27, 25-22, 12-25, 25-22, 15-13, to solidify its hold on third spot with a 6-3 record.
The Baby Falcons also opened a one-and-a-half game cushion over the Baby Tamaraws (4-6) in the race for the last semis slot.
In the boys division, NU topped De La Salle-Zobel, 25-11, 25-18, 25-17, to rose at 11-0 and also move within three wins of gaining an outright passage to the Finals.
Meanwhile, Ateneo turned to rookie Manu Mariano’s early goal to beat De La Salle-Zobel, 1-0, for a winning start in the UAAP Season 81 juniors’ football tournament Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Mariano struck in the fourth minute as the Blue Eaglets claim their first win after two seasons.
Last year, Ateneo was winless and had one draw.
In the other fixture, National University bested University of Santo Tomas, 1-0.
Eight-time champion Far Eastern University-Diliman drew an opening day bye.
The Baby Tamaraws, who will miss ace striker Gio Pabualan who has already completed his playing eligibility, will open their campaign against the Bullpups at 2 p.m. on Sunday at the same Malate venue. The Eaglets will play the Tiger Cubs in the day’s other match at 4 p.m.
