Lady Bulldogs clinch semis berth, dump Lady Maroons

The National University Lady Bulldogs became the first team to qualify for a semifinals seat in the 2016 Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference after ending their quarterfinals run with a resounding four-set win over the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons 23-25, 25-19, 26-24, 25-19 at the PhilSports Arena.

UP sluggishly opened the match, falling behind 2-8 after several bad receptions. NU, however, let the Lady Maroons back into the set, surrendering errors that allowed UP to tie at 12. Both teams traded share of the lead until Kathy Bersola gave UP first crack at set point, 24-23, after converting a running hit. NU then handed the set to UP after the Lady Bulldogs botched a play for Jaja Santiago.

NU retaliated in the following set, burying UP in a 11-1 hole in the second frame and preventing any attempts at a comeback. NU again dominated the early goings of the third set and took a 22-18 advantage late. The Lady Maroons salvaged a run, forcing a deuce, 24-all, thanks to Justine Dorog’s clutch serving. Santiago immediately responded, pounding a quick set to put the Lady Bulldogs ahead which te Lady Maroons followed with an attack error which sealed NU’s 2-1 sets lead.

NU finished off the Lady Maroons in the fourth set with steady defense and solid transitions. The Lady Bulldogs kept a steady five-point wall late in the set and never looked back.

Despite their 36 errors, the Lady Bulldogs’ staggering offense kept UP at bay. Jaja Santiago tallied 21 points off 18 attacks, two blocks, and an ace. Aiko Urdas turned in 20 points off 16 attacks, two blocks, and two aces.

“Talagang nag-adjust lang kami sa serving at atake namin kasi napakarami naming binigay na errors noong unang mga set. Kailangan talaga namin mabawasan ‘yun para ‘di kami namimigay ng puntos,” said Lady Bulldogs assistant coach Edjet Mabbayad.

UP’s middles scored most of their points with Diana Carlos managing 12 points while Kathy Bersola punched in 11.

NU finished the quarters with a 4-1 record, good for a berth into the semis. UP (2-2) awaits the results of the next matches and will need to win their final meeting against the San Sebastian College of Recoletos Lady Stags (2-2) on Wednesday, 4 pm, at the PhilSports Arena.

The Scores

NU (3) – Santiago 21, Urdas 20, Sato 13, Singh 11, Nabor 8, Doromal 6, Valdez (L)

UP (1) – Carlos 12, Bersola 11, Buitre 8, Molde 7, Tiamzon 6, Dorog 5, Basarte 2, Cailing 0, Layug 0, Gaiser (L), Estrañero (L)