University of the East snapped its four-game losing skid at the expense of National University in the UAAP Season 81 women's volleyball tournament.
The Lady Warriors recovered from a third-set meltdown to take a 25-16, 25-18 24-26, 25-16 win over the skidding Lady Bulldogs Wednesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
NU avoided a sweep by closing out Set 3 with an 8-0 run led by rookie sensations Princess Robles and Ivy Lacsina.
Down 24-18, Lacsina sparked the huge rally with a kill, followed by an error from Mean Mendrez on the other side. Robles continued with three straight points, then Lacsina completed the comeback with her own 3-0 blast highlighted by a couple of service aces.
The Lady Warriors regained their bearings in Set 4. Determined to finish off what they started, they broke away midway through the period. Judith Abil delivered in the clutch to steer her team to victory.
Mendrez top-scored with 19 points, while Abil finished with another triple-double of 13 points, 32 digs, and 21 receptions.
Lai Bendong also played a key role as she tallied 38 excellent sets. Kath Arado anchored the defense with 32 digs and 13 receptions.
"We really needed this win, especially for the graduating players. Even if we don't reach the Final Four, we'll continue to fight so we won't always end up in number 8 (of the standings)," head coach Karl Dimaculangan said.
Robles and Lacsina combined for 25 markers for the Lady Bulldogs, who absorbed their third straight loss this season.
UE and NU are in a tie for seventh place with identical 2-6 records.