National University kicked off its campaign in the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals with a 25-19, 25-15, 25-16 victory over Enderun Colleges at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday.
Wing spiker Evangeline Alinsug scored 13 points, including six in the third set, while opposite hitter Nataszha Bombita added 10 points as the Lady Bulldogs claimed victory after two hours.
Rookie Celine Elizabeth produced three aces to finish with eight points, including seven in the second set, while middle blocker Aishat Bello chipped in seven points.
Meanwhile, Nizelle Martin and Lea Tapang scored 10 points each as Letran beat University of San Carlos, 25-22, 25-14, 25-12, in Pool D.
Gia Maquilang chipped in nine points followed by Angelique Ledesma with seven points. Jearl Lapitan led USC with seven points while Eunice Navarro added four points.
NU, winner of the SSL Collegiate Preseason Championship, will face Xavier University-Northern Mindanao Selection on Friday, hoping for another win in Pool A to reach the knockout quarterfinals of the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Eurotel, Victory Liner and Mikasa.
"I'm happy with the performance of the team. The goal is to provide experience and exposure to other players, especially the rookies," said NU coach Norman Miguel after the match.
With Bella Belen and Arra Ella Panique set to join Alas Pilipinas in Japan for a training camp, the rookies will have to step up.
"The players need to work on each other's connection, aside from technical skills," Miguel said.
Outside hitters Shane Carmona and Erika Jin Deloria, both from Bacolod City, finished with 10 and six points, respectively for Enderun Colleges, a quarterfinalist last year.
The Lady Titans fought well, tying the score at 10-all in the third set before NU held a 7-0 run to take the lead en route to victory.
Zenneth Perolino added three kills and one block, while Michaella Ma Ma had three points, including two blocks.
"We gave them (Lady Bulldogs) a good fight," said Enderun Colleges head coach Ariel dela Cruz, a former national player.
"My players are intimidated because they are up against a strong team. They played well but could not sustain it," he added.
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