MANILA, Philippines–National University’s (NU) blistering run continued in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.

The Lady Bulldogs remained perfect at 5-0 after handing a 25-13, 25-23, 25-22 decision to University of the Philippines (UP) on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

“Happy naman siyempre nakuha namin yung panalo pero yung situation ng second and third magkaiba kasi naka-recover din kami dun sa run ng UP pero knowing NU naman mga seniors na sila so alam na rin nila yung gagawin,” coach Sherwin Meneses said.

READ: UAAP: Vocal leader Erin Pangilinan continues to guide NU

NU coach Sherwin Meneses, Bella Belen, and Alyssa Solomon after beating UP. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/qqCXIadGx7

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 9, 2025

Bella Belen showed her scoring prowess to come up with 17 attack points, Alyssa Solomon finished with 16 points made up of 13 kills and three blocks as Vange Alinsug added 11 points.

“Lagi ko lang sinasabi sa mga pinapasok ni coach Sherwin, sa mga bata na ilaro lang nila kung ano yung laro nila kasi minsan masyadong silang maraming iniisip siguro dahil sa pressure or dahil dikit yung laban kanina,” Belen said when asked about the contributions of her younger teammates.

“Sabi ko lang na kailangan nila i-enjoy kasi binigyan sila ng opportunity to play so kailangan nilang i-grab yun and kailangan nilang ipakita kung ano yung kaya nilang gawin para next games, pag kailangan ni coach Sherwin ng mabubunot, alam niya na may mga players na handa maglaro,” she added.

READ: UAAP: NU stays unbeaten, keeps UE winless in women’s volleyball

The Lady Bulldogs found it hard to easily shake off UP in the third frame. The Fighting Maroons climbed out of a six-point deficit to knot it up at 22-all before Solomon, Celine Marsh and Erin Pangilinan took turns to give NU the victory.

Kassandra Doering paced the Fighting Maroons with 11 points and Kianne Olango added 10 points as UP absorbed a fourth straight loss for a 2-4 standing.

NU is two games away from sweeping the first round with Adamson as its next opponent on Wednesday, also at MOA Arena. UP, meanwhile, battles the Lady Falcons on March 16 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.