NATIONAL University’s bid for win No. 13 was nearly ruined yesterday.
Pressed by a surprisingly resilient Far Eastern U, the Lady Bulldogs needed to regain their bearings in time to hack out a 24-26, 25-17, 25-19, 25-10 victory in the 84th UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Mhicaela Belen shone for NU anew with 18 points, all on attacks, while Sheena backed her up with 12 markers off nine spikes.
Alyssa Solomon also had 10 points for the Lady Bulldogs, who scored a fitting follow-up to their 25-15, 25-10, 25-15 triumph over University of the Philippines four days ago and moved within a win of an elimination round sweep that goes with an outright finals slot.
The Lady Tamaraws, coming off a 25-23, 23-25, 25-15, 25-12 loss to University of Santo Tomas last Saturday, slipped to 1-12.
In the first game, UST downed winless University of the East 26-24, 25-18, 25-19 to clinch a Final Four berth.
Ypril Tapia led a more balanced Golden Tigresses attack with 13 points, while Eya Laure chipped in 12 points, to go with 12 excellent receptions, and seven digs.
KC Galdones also added 11 points as UST rose to 9-4 for third.
The Lady Warriors fell to 0-13.
“Iyon ang consequence kapag hindi kami naglaro nang maayos, hindi kami nag effort,” NU coach Karl Dimaculangan said.
“Ang mga ganoong game, iyon ang nire-remind ko sa kanila na hindi kami puwedeng maging complacent kahit sinong kalaban, good thing na lang din naka-recover kami,” he added.
