NU Lady Bulldogs dominate UE in SSL title defense opener

Defending champions National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs began their title defense in the Shakey's Super League (SSL) Collegiate Pre-Season Championship Season 2 with a commanding 25-15, 25-19, 25-15 victory over the University of the East (UE).

Evangeline Alinsug and incoming rookie Arah Ellah Panique each scored 11 points in the win, with reigning SSL MVP Alyssa Solomon and skipper Erin Pangilinan contributing eight and seven points, respectively.

The veterans saw limited action as NU only needed 71 minutes to defeat UE, showcasing the team's depth and enabling coach Norman Miguel to experiment with lineups.

NU now holds a 1-0 record in Pool A, while UE, after an earlier win against Jose Rizal University, slides to a 1-1 standing.

The Lady Bulldogs then secured a ticket to the next round by defeating San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 25-18, 25-15, 25-13, improving their record to 2-0 in Pool A.

Former UAAP rookie-MVP Bella Belen scored 13 points in two sets, while Erin Pangilinan and Evangeline Alinsug added nine and eight points, respectively in NU's second consecutive win.

NU eyes a Pool A sweep against winless Jose Rizal U next Sunday.