National University wasn’t about to let history repeat itself.
After falling behind two sets, the top-seeded Lady Bulldogs staged a dramatic comeback to eliminate the fourth-ranked Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, 20-25, 22-25, 25-23, 25-14, 17-15, and punch their ticket to the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Finals on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
It was a similar No. 1 vs. No. 4 match-up last season where FEU stunned NU with a 25-23, 25-17, 25-23 sweep in Game 1, only to fold in straight sets in the do-or-die match. This time, NU ensured there would be no need for a rubber match.
The Lady Bulldogs are now gunning for back-to-back titles and their third championship in the last four seasons.
NU awaits the winner of the other Final Four duel between twice-to-beat De La Salle University and the University of Santo Tomas,
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Siyempre thankful ako sa players kasi nagre-respond sila sa situation na sinasabi namin. Pero sabi ko nga, hindi pa tapos ang laban kasi ang goal talaga ay ma-defend yung crown. Enjoy konti lang tapos trabaho ulit para ma-defend yung crown, yun yung pinaka-target talaga,” said NU head coach Sherwin Meneses.
In the deciding fifth set that would determine whether NU would advance outright to the Finals or face a do-or-die game, the Lady Bulldogs leaned on their trusted duo — Alyssa Solomon and Bella Belen.
Solomon came out firing in the final set, scoring three straight points to start the frame. But the Lady Tamaraws refused to go away, answering through Faida Bakanke and rookie standout Lovely Lopez.
Solomon’s crosscourt attack brought NU to its first match point at 14-13, but Lopez responded with a gutsy off-the-block hit to tie it. Vange Alinsug then gave the Lady Bulldogs another shot at closing the game, 15-14, only for Lopez to once again delay the celebration.
That’s when Belen took over. The reigning MVP hammered an off-the-block kill and then sealed the win with a crosscourt smash, ending the two-hour, 33-minute thriller.
FEU had a golden opportunity to complete a sweep in the third set, tied at 23-all. But Belen delivered an off-the-block point, and Alexa Mata followed with a serve initially ruled out — overturned to an ace upon video challenge — keeping NU alive.
The Lady Bulldogs then steamrolled through the fourth set to set up the final chapter.
“Lagi lang naman naming sinasabi na hindi naman matatapos yung game kung mananalo ng isang set or dalawang sets. Hanggang di natatapos yung game may chance pa kaming lumaban at yun ang pinakita namin mula third set hanggang fifth set,” said Belen, who finished with a stellar all-around performance of 24 points, 14 digs, and 10 receptions.
Solomon added 21 points, while Alinsug contributed 18 points and 14 excellent receptions. Chams Maaya added 13 points in just three sets of action, while Mata chipped in eight markers in three frames.
Defensive specialist Shaira Jardio also played a key role, anchoring NU’s floor defense with 21 excellent receptions and 19 digs.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
For FEU, Congolese opposite hitter Faida Bakanke led the way with 15 points. Gerzel Petallo turned in an all-around effort with 14 points, 14 receptions, and 13 digs.
Jaz Ellarina also had 14 points, while Chenie Tagaod added 10 points and 14 excellent receptions.
Lopez, who starred in the fifth set, tallied nine points in three sets of play, including four crucial ones in the decider.
