By CARLO ANOLIN
National University stayed unbeaten in 13 straight matches after defeating Far Eastern University, 24-26, 25-17, 25-19, 25-10, while University of Santo Tomas beat University of the East in straight sets, 26-24, 25-18, 25-19, to finally clinch a Final Four berth in the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Lady Bulldogs are just a win away from an outright Finals contention and on the cusp of making a stepladder format in post-season but the Golden Tigresses can play the spoiler’s role tomorrow.
Michaela Belen spearheaded NU anew with 18 points all built from spikes, Sheena Toring posted nine attacks and two blocks for 12 markers, while Alyssa Solomon added 10 points.
Libero Jen Nierva, who was hailed Player of the Game, also tallied 18 digs and 12 excellent receptions for NU. Earlier, the Tigresses maintained their No. 3 spot after improving to a 9-4 record behind the joint efforts of Ypril Tapia and Eya Laure.
Tapia led UST’s balanced attack with 13 points all coming from attacks while Eya Laure hammered down 12 markers on top of 11 spikes. Kecelyn Galdones, who earned the Player of the Game honors, also chipped in 11 points.
“Laging nire-remind ko sa kanila na hindi kami puwede maging complacent kahit sino kalaban,” said Lady Bulldogs head coach Karl Dimaculangan.”‘Yon naman palagi message ko or palaging paalala ko sa kanila. So good thing na lang din na naka-recover kami and well, nanalo kami.”
The Lady Bulldogs bucked a slow start and equalized the match at 1-1 before stepping on the gas in the next two sets.
After cruising past the third frame, NU regained its fiery form and led by as many as 13 points en route to a comfortable 21-8 cushion and never looked back at that point.
