Three-Peat Bid Begins With Impressive UAAP Statement
Xyz Rayco delivered 20 points and 14 digs as National University-Nazareth School launched its UAAP Season 89 three-peat pursuit. The Lady Bullpups defeated Adamson, 25-14, 29-31, 25-17, 25-17, behind their 15-year-old rookie’s impressive two-way debut.
Xyz Rayco Leads NUNS Past Adamson in Four Sets
NUNS opened Season 89 Thursday at Paco Arena, with Justine Anne Gaerlan covering the four-set victory for Tiebreaker Times. The defending champions controlled three sets despite Adamson extending the second frame before escaping with a dramatic 31-29 victory.
Rather than allowing that setback to reshape the match, NUNS answered with consecutive 25-17 victories to complete its opener. The response gave Karl Dimaculangan’s squad an encouraging start while beginning its pursuit of a third consecutive UAAP championship.
Image from: Philippine News Agency
Lady Bullpups Begin UAAP Three-Peat Pursuit
NUNS entered Season 89 carrying consecutive championships, increased expectations, and several young players already possessing international volleyball experience. Adamson still provided meaningful resistance, particularly during the second set, before the Lady Bullpups regained control after intermission.
Rayco Delivers 20 Points and 14 Digs
Rayco immediately influenced her first UAAP match with 14 attacks, four service aces, and two blocks for 20 points. The Nasipit, Agusan del Norte native also collected 14 digs, extending her impact beyond front-row scoring during the victory.
Her defensive production provided meaningful back-row value alongside scoring contributions from every major point-producing category available during the match. For a 15-year-old newcomer entering a championship program, that balanced debut provided an immediate demonstration of her developing versatility.
Rookie Produces Across Attack, Serve, Block and Defense
Rayco’s 20-point performance established her as NUNS’ leading scorer, but her 14 digs made the debut particularly complete. Contributing through attacking, serving, blocking, and floor defense gave the Lady Bullpups production across several phases from their young newcomer.
International Experience Strengthens NUNS Core
Rayco entered Season 89 after representing the Philippines during its historic 15th-place finish at the FIVB Girls’ U17 World Championship. Jhaynna Bulandres, Irish Mahinay, and Frances Ramos also returned from that campaign before joining NUNS’ latest championship pursuit.
Bulandres supported Rayco with 14 points, while setter Micaella Gould organized the offense through 24 excellent sets and two aces. Libero Ghenievib Belen contributed 13 digs, giving NUNS important production across scoring, setting, and floor defense against Adamson.
Bulandres and Young Lady Bullpups Add Support
Rayco and Bulandres combined for 34 points, preventing NUNS’ opening victory from depending entirely upon one primary attacking option. Their international experience also gives Dimaculangan several young players already exposed to demanding competition before another challenging UAAP championship defense.
NUNS Responds Strongly After Marathon Second Set
Adamson answered its 25-14 opening-set defeat by surviving an extended second frame and eventually securing a 31-29 victory. NUNS responded decisively, taking the third and fourth sets by identical 25-17 scores to prevent another momentum shift.
The Lady Bullpups later created a 22-16 fourth-set advantage through a 6-2 run completed by Bulandres’ timely block. Raine Alonzo eventually pushed NUNS to match point before Jaila Adrao delivered the attack that completed the season-opening victory.
Gonzalvo Keeps Adamson Competitive Against Champions
Ella Gonzalvo led all scorers with 21 points, producing 18 attacks and three service aces despite Adamson’s four-set defeat. Her performance gave the Lady Baby Falcons consistent offense, particularly as they challenged NUNS during the marathon second frame.
Recommended Article: La Salle Beats UP to Open UAAP Women’s Football Bid
Dimaculangan Keeps Three-Peat Expectations Grounded
Dimaculangan acknowledged increased expectations surrounding his recruits while emphasizing that NUNS still carried correctable lapses after its opening victory. His assessment kept attention on development despite a successful debut from Rayco and another productive performance from the defending champions.
“Siyempre maraming expectations lalo na ngayon siguro sa mga new players namin. Para sa amin kasi, panibagong season, every team may opportunity eh. Kailangan naming pagbutihin pa. Dami pa naming mga lapses na ico-correct namin,” said NUNS head coach Karl Dimaculangan.
Preseason success and incoming talent have raised expectations, but Dimaculangan reminded his players that UAAP competition presents another challenge. That perspective becomes increasingly important for a roster carrying the additional pressure associated with pursuing three consecutive championships.
“Tingin ko, mas mataas ‘yung expectations sa team ngayon, knowing na may mga recruits and mga preseason tournaments na nakuha namin, pero ni-remind ko nga sa players, iba ang UAAP, so kailangan mas maging ready pa kami, lalo na sa mga susunod na laro.”
Other UAAP Girls Teams Open Season 89
De La Salle Zobel opened with a 25-21, 25-14, 25-16 sweep of Ateneo behind Sofia Inandan’s 16-point performance. UPIS also defeated University of the East, 25-15, 23-25, 25-17, 25-21, with Niña Abad producing 22 points.
Analytical Breakdown: A Complete All-Around Performance
Rayco’s 14 digs showed valuable six-rotation potential, complementing her 20-point production with dependable back-row defensive contributions. NUNS also responded impressively after losing the extended second set, regaining structure instead of allowing Adamson to build momentum. Sustaining that composure while reducing early-season lapses will determine whether the Lady Bullpups can maximize their talented championship core.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points did Xyz Rayco score against Adamson?
Rayco scored 20 points from 14 attacks, four aces, and two blocks while adding 14 digs for NUNS.
What was the NUNS versus Adamson final score?
NUNS defeated Adamson, 25-14, 29-31, 25-17, 25-17, to begin its UAAP Season 89 championship defense successfully.
Is NUNS trying to win a third straight championship?
Yes, the Lady Bullpups entered Season 89 as back-to-back champions while pursuing their third consecutive UAAP girls volleyball title.
Who led Adamson against NUNS?
Ella Gonzalvo led Adamson with 21 points, including 18 attacks and three service aces against the defending champions.
Which other teams won on opening day?
De La Salle Zobel swept Ateneo, while UPIS defeated University of the East in four sets during opening-day action.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from Tiebreaker Times.
