The Philippines represented by National University Lady Bulldogs (NU-Monolith Sky Risers) claims its first win in the 2024 Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championship Pool B after beating Saipa Club of Iran in four sets, 25-19, 25-18, 19-25, 25-18.
It was a fitting debut for newly installed coach Sherwin Meneses as the Sky Risers dominated the defending Iran Super League champions on Sunday at the Chathai Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
NU-Monolith started strong in the first set racing to an 11-5 lead and eventually building a 23-15 advantage. The Iranians tried to come close after a 4-1 rally but fell short as Vangie Alinsug’s back-row attack sealed the first-set win for the Sky Risers.
The Sky Risers duplicated its win in the second set scoring 25-19 but the Iranians bounced back in the third,19-25 to steal the set and extend the contest to 4th set.
The Sky Risers and the Iranians were tied at 16-all in the fourth before Bella Belen spearheaded a 9-2 finishing kick to complete the win.
Alyssa Solomon finished with a game-high 22 points on 16 attacks, four blocks, and two service aces, while Belen ended up with 20 points on 14 attacks, four service aces, and two kill blocks.
The team will face LP Bank Ninh Binh of Vietnam on Monday, September 23, 2pm local time.
