Arah Panique delivered her best game yet as National University staged a thrilling 17-25, 16-25, 25-19, 25-21, 15-12 reverse sweep against Far Eastern University in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.
After clawing back from a two-set deficit to force a fifth frame, the Lady Bulldogs — proving why they are defending champions — faced one final mountain in the decider.
The Lady Tamaraws jumped to an 11-7 lead in the final set thanks to an 8-2 run fueled by Jaz Ellarina, Clarisse Loresco, Gerzel Petallo, and Kyle Pendon.
But NU had one last surge. Two errors by Pendon, combined with key hits from Kaye Bombita and Sam Cantada, tied the score at 11.
The sides traded points at 12-all before Alexa Mata gave the Lady Bulldogs the lead with a quick hit. Panique then sealed the comeback with the last two points, completing the reverse sweep in two hours and 24 minutes.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“I never really doubted the players na hindi nila makukuha. I know they’re going to fight until the end because this is not the first time na nangyari sa amin. I kept on telling them this is not new to them, sanay tayo dito, kunin natin ‘yung game,” said NU head coach Regine Diego.
After a slow start in the first two sets, the Lady Bulldogs regained their rhythm in the third. Camilla Lamina steadied the defending champions, while Panique, Vange Alinsug, and Mata took charge of the scoring.
With the win, NU remained unbeaten after three games, holding a league-best 3-0 record.
Panique finished with a career-high 27 points on 23 spikes, three blocks, and an ace. Alinsug delivered a well-rounded performance with 15 points, 15 excellent receptions, and 13 excellent digs.
Two-time Best Setter Lamina, coming off the bench for the third consecutive game, recorded 19 excellent sets in her longest appearance of the season.
“Simula nung natalo kami ng two sets, nag-adjust kaagad kami sa pasa, and ni-remind ko lang sa teammates ko na kailangan naming maging composed hanggang sa dulo,” said Lamina.
Rookie Sam Cantada scored 11 points, with crucial contributions in the fifth set, while Chams Maaya and Alexa Mata added nine and seven points, respectively.
After playing three games in a week, NU will return to action next Saturday against University of the Philippines at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
For the Lady Tamaraws, Petallo led the charge with 14 points, 22 receptions, and 12 digs, while Loresco added 12 points.
FEU dropped to 1-2 in the standings and will face Adamson University on March 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
