The NU Lady Bulldogs clinched the second seed and an outright berth in the stepladder semifinals after pulling off a reverse sweep against the UST Golden Tigresses, 19-25, 23-25, 25-18, 25-18, 15-13, in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
In the decider, NU built an early 11-7 lead, but UST responded with a 4-0 run behind Avril Bron and Angge Poyos to tie the game at 11-all. Both teams traded points until 13-all, before a costly Poyos drop ball sailed out, giving NU the match point. Team captain Vange Alinsug then delivered the finishing hit to seal the comeback victory.
“I’m very proud of them because even though we were coming from a loss and we were fatigued already from that, we pushed through this game and locked in the second rank. Very happy. Hopefully dire-diretso na po ito hanggang dulo po,” said Lady Bulldogs head coach Regine Diego.
NU Marches on for Title Bid
With the win, NU secured solo second place and a direct entry into the semifinals. The La Salle Lady Spikers have already advanced to the Finals with a season sweep, while the Adamson Lady Falcons hold the third seed.
Arah Panique led the Lady Bulldogs with 24 points built on 21 attacks, 2 blocks, and 1 ace. Sam Cantada added 20 points and 17 excellent receptions, while Alinsug contributed 13 points and 10 excellent digs.
Setter Lams Lamina orchestrated the offense with 24 excellent sets and 5 points, while libero Shaira Jardio anchored the defense with 33 excellent receptions and 16 excellent digs.
UST in KO Match Versus FEU
On the other hand, the loss dropped the Golden Tigresses to an 8-6 record, tying them with the FEU Lady Tamaraws for the fourth and final Final Four spot.
Poyos paced UST with 24 points and 15 excellent receptions, while Regina Jurado added 21 markers and 16 excellent digs.
The Golden Tigresses and the Lady Tamaraws will face off in a knockout match for the fourth and final spot in the postseason on Saturday, April 25, 3:00 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
