The defending champions, National University Lady Bulldogs, survived the gritty Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws as they made their final appearance for the fourth straight season.
Meanwhile, the De La Salle University Lady Spikers returned to the finals after defeating the University of Santo Tomas Lady Tigresses.
Here’s everything you missed at the semifinals of the UAAP Season 97 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
71
The defending champions, National University Lady Bulldogs, recorded 71 attack points as they survived the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws in five sets, 25-20, 25-22, 25-23, 25-14, 17-15 on Saturday, May 3, to return to the finals.
Team captain Bella Belen led the team with 24 points in 23 attacks and one block with 14 excellent digs. Alyssa Solomon contributed 21 points in 18 attacks, two aces, and a block, while Evangeline Alinsug contributed 18 points in 15 attacks and three blocks with 14 excellent receptions. Minierva Maaya had 13 points in six attacks and five blocks.
After the game, Belen shared what she told the team when they lost the first two sets of the game. She revealed, “Lagi lang kasi naming sinasabi [na] hindi naman natatapos ‘yung game kung mananalo ng one set or dalawang set. Hangga’t hindi pa tapos ‘yung game, may chance pa kaming lumaban. ‘Yun naman po ‘yung pinakita namin. Talagang trinabaho namin ‘yung third hanggang fifth set. Mahirap kasi nakadalawang set na ‘yung FEU, pero kasi malaki ‘yung tiwala ko sa teammates ko na kaya namin ipanalo ‘yung game kahit ano man [‘yung] score or kung ilang set na.
For the Lady Tamaraws, Faida Bakanke led the team with 15 points in 11 attacks and four blocks, while Gerzel Petallo and Jazlyn Ellarina had 14 points apiece. Chenie Tagaod contributed 10 points in nine attacks and a block.
Lady Bulldogs head coach Sherwin Menses applauded how his team responded to the challenge but reminded them that the goal is not yet done. He said, “Siyempre thankful ako sa players kasi nagre-respond sila sa situation na sinasabi namin. Pero sabi ko nga, hindi pa tapos ang laban kasi ang goal talaga ay ma-defend ‘yung crown. Enjoy konti lang tapos trabaho ulit para ma-defend ‘yung crown, ‘yun ‘yung pinaka-target talaga.”
The Lady Bulldogs will face the De La Salle University Lady Spikers in the best-of-three finals.
11
The De La Salle University Lady Spikers showed their dominance at the net as they recorded 11 points in their 25-22, 11-25, 25-21, 25-21 victory against the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses in the semifinals. In comparison, the Golden Tigresses only had two block points in the match.
Team captain Angel Canino led the team with 19 points in 17 attacks and two blocks, while Amie Provido had 15 points in 11 attacks, three aces, and a block. Shevana Laput added 14 points in 11 attacks and three blocks.
After the game, Canino gave credit to how the Golden Tigresses played in the match. She said, “Siyempre ‘yung UST, hindi rin talaga madaling kalaban. As in, they’re known din talaga na grabe ang depensa nila, tapos hindi rin sila basta-basta naggi-give up. Kailangan talaga na pusuan rin namin kasi gusto rin ng UST, e, they really want na makabalik din ng finals, but siyempre, mas ginusto rin namin kasi we have a goal.”
For the Golden Tigresses, Angeline Poyos led the team with 22 points in 20 attacks and two service aces, while Regina Jurado had 21 points in 20 attacks and an ace.
La Salle head coach Ramil de Jesus admitted that he was happy with their victory despite starting the game slow. He said, “Medyo happy, medyo happy kasi slow start, e, ang tagal makapag-adjust. Eventurall, nagpaikot kaagad ako ng setter, so nakita ko naman na nag-work naman, and ‘yun na ‘yun. Ini-expect ko pa na mas makagalaw pa sa susunod na game, marami pa kaming dapat ayusin.”
The Lady Spikers will face the National University Lady Bulldogs in the best-of-three finals.
