National University clinched the second twice-to-beat advantage after narrowly defeating Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday. However, the Lady Bulldogs are determined not to rely on that incentive and are aiming to beat Adamson University in the first game.
“Nadagdagan po ng kaunti yung kumpyansa namin kasi may advantage po yung twice-to-beat eh pero yung mindset po namin hindi na po namin dapat paabutin pa na kailangan makadalawang panalo sila sa amin para sila yung umangat,” said Mhicaela Belen after their 21-25, 28-30, 25-14, 25-13, 15-13 reverse sweep of the Blue Eagles.
“Dapat unang game pa lang tapusin na namin para hindi kami mahirapan kahit may twice-to-beat kami.”
National U had a rocky start but will enter the Final Four on a six-game winning streak, including significant victories against Adamson (in three sets) and University of Santo Tomas (in four sets).
According to main setter Camilla Lamina, the Lady Bulldogs’ resurgence can be attributed to their newfound discipline.
“Tinry namin disiplinahin yung sarili namin na mas ma-less pa yung error kaso may error pa rin po kami pero we have to exert more effort pa,” said the Season 84 Best Setter.
Belen also stressed that despite their positive momentum, they need to make more adjustments after their lackluster performance against Ateneo, allowing their opponent to take the first two sets.
The reigning MVP tallied 26 points, 19 receptions, and 15 digs, while Alyssa Solomon contributed 25 points as well.
“We’re very happy kasi nakuha na po namin yung twice-to-beat this season pero despite that po, meron pa rin kaming kailangan iimprove lalo na sa game ngayon which is yung pagstart dapat namin nang maayos kasi nung first and second set po hindi po kami gaano katutok sa game kaya ganito po siguro yung kinalabasan,” said Belen.
“Balik kami sa training, panuorin namin yung game namin kung anong nangyari ngayon.”
