Bella Belen fired 26 points, anchoring National University’s 25-22, 18-25, 25-19, 18-25, 15-13 escape against Far Eastern University to move on the verge of claiming the 2024 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals on Monday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Belen tallied 24 kills and two kill blocks for NU, which can secure the title in the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Eurotel, Victory Liner, Team Rebel Sports, and Mikasa in Game 2 on Tuesday.
The reigning UAAP MVP and Erin Pangilinan rallied the Lady Bulldogs back from two points down early in the fifth set before Alexa Mata and Myrtle Escanlar put on the finishing touches to push NU closer to annexing another crown after ruling the first two editions of the Collegiate Preseason Championship.
Arah Panique added 15 points, Pangilinan chipped in 14 markers, while Escanlar contributed 13 points, including the game-winning off-speed hit for the reigning UAAP champions.
“I’m very happy na despite wala si Ate Sheena (Toring), Ate Aly (Solomon) and Vange (Alinsug) and other teammates ko na ‘di nakapaglaro, may mga rookies and mga teammates ko na talagang nag-step up na tinulungan ‘yung team para manalo today,” Belen said.
FEU carried the momentum of their dominating fourth set to take a 7-5 lead in the fifth frame, but Belen and Pangilinan sparked a 4-0 counterattack to push NU in front.
The Lady Tamaraws tied the score at 12 before Mata scored two straight points, bringing the Lady Bulldogs to match point. FEU saved one match point when Belen sent her pipe attack straight into the net, but Escanlar cleaned it up with a soft touch in the next play.
Jean Asis had 23 points to pace the Lady Tamaraws. Chenie Tagaod had 19 points, while Gerzel Petallo and Jazlyn Ellarina posted 11 and 10 points, respectively, for FEU.
Meanwhile, College of Saint Benilde fought back from a set down to frustrate Letran, 21-25, 25-21, 25-16, 25-17, and take Game 1 of the best-of-three battle for bronze.
