NU romps UE, returns to the UAAP Women’s Volleyball win column

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs vented their ire on the University of the East (UE) Lady Red Warriors, 25–19, 25–10, 25–19, in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament on March 4, 2026, at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After suffering their first loss at the hands of the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, the Lady Bulldogs went full attack mode, sweeping the struggling Lady Red Warriors to redeem themselves in the first round of the elimination phase.

However, it seemed like the UP loss still stung NU as the defending UAAP queens got off to a sluggish start, piling up a string of unforced errors that allowed UE to keep the first set close.

Stepping up for NU in the crucial final stretch was veteran outside hitter Arah Panique, who helped the team climb out of an early 8–15 hole with much-needed back-row attacks.

From trailing by seven points, the Lady Bulldogs rode the hot hands of Panique, staging a massive 17–4 scoring counter that turned the tables for a morale-boosting 1–0 lead.

Aside from Panique, the 1-2 punch of Celine Marsh and Vange Alinsug also delivered valuable contributions in the decisive rally, especially in the final five possessions when NU rolled to clinch first blood.

The wake-up call was the only thing NU needed.

After escaping the tough opener, the Lady Bulldogs steamrolled their way through the next two sets, highlighted by improved floor-coverage defense and more setting variations on attack.

Panique led NU with 12 points on 10 successful attacks, along with eight excellent receptions, five excellent digs and a service ace.

Meanwhile, Marsh added 11 markers, while Alinsug stuffed the stat sheet with 10 points, nine excellent receptions and seven excellent digs.

Still absent for the Lady Bulldogs is rising star Sam Cantada, who injured her right shin during their loss to UP on Feb. 28, 2026.

NU will look to pick up where it left off on March 8, 2026, against Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), while UE aims to end its skid on March 7, 2026, against undefeated De La Salle University (DLSU).