By Abby Toralba
WITH power hitter Alyssa Solomon leading the way, defending champion National University got past gritty University of Santo Tomas yesterday 25-16, 25-21, 17-25, 25-14 and virtually clinched the second twice-to-beat edge in the Final Four of the 85th UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
Solomon had 17 points while reigning MVP Bella Belen tallied a double-double of 16 markers and 12 excellent receptions as the Lady Bulldogs avenged their first-round loss to the Golden Tigresses and stretched their winning streak to five.
With the triumph, NU climbed to solo second with a 10-3 card and can clinch the semis edge with a victory over also-ran Ateneo on Saturday.
The Golden Tigresses slipped to 9-4 in a tie with Adamson University’s Lady Falcons.
“Sobrang happy ako kasi nakita ko kung paano iyong naging laro kanina and nakita ko rin na na-apply namin kung ano iyong pinaghihirapan namin sa training,” said Solomon, a sophomore.
Rookie Vange Alinsug also contributed to the Sampaloc-based crew with 10 markers while middle blocker Sheena Toring added nine.
UST’s final elimination game will be against UP on Sunday.
Skipper Eya Laure paced UST with 17 points while Imee Hernandez scored 14.
