National University Nazareth School displayed steely resolve to deny Far Eastern University-Diliman’s upset bid, winning 26-24, 21-25, 25-18, 23-25, 18-16 and moving within reach of back-to-back titles in the UAAP Season 88 High School Girls’ Volleyball Tournament on Thursday night at the Blue Eagle Gym.
In the elimination round, the Lady Bullpups had dominated the Baby Lady Tamaraws, taking a 17-25, 25-12, 25-21, 25-17 victory in the first round on October 1 before sweeping them 25-23, 25-18, 25-21 on November 2.
The Finals, however, proved to be a different story.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The Baby Lady Tamaraws reached match point three times — the last at 16-15 following a Diza Berayo attack error — but could not close it out and secure another comeback.
A net touch violation and an Adeleine Agustin block finally gave the Bullpups match point.
Berayo, redeeming herself after the earlier error, drilled the match-winning hit to seal the two-hour, 33-minute opener.
“Talagang yung FEU, nakita natin yung attitude nila, tsaka going to this game, mataas ang morale at motivated,” said NUNS head coach Karl Dimaculangan.
“Ang sabi ko lang sa kanila, maging composed lang sa endgame,” added the decorated mentor.
NUNS aims for its eighth title in 10 seasons with another win in Game 2 at 4:00 PM on Sunday at the same Katipunan venue.
Berayo led the Bullpups with 22 points, including two service aces, 13 receptions, and 11 digs, while Akeyla Bartolabac contributed 17 points, including four service aces.
Jhaynna Bulandres also finished in double digits with 13 points.
“Actually, hinahanap namin kasi yung character namin aa a champion team,” said Berayo, noting that complacency in the fourth set allowed the Baby Lady Tamaraws to gain a lifeline.
“Pinatunayan namin na mas experienced kami sa kanila,” the 17-year-old spiker from Silay City added.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Aleah Devosora led FEU-D with 18 points, 11 receptions, and seven digs, while Nigerian blocker MJ Udeagbala and Joeyana Bongo each scored 16 points.
The Baby Lady Tamaraws leaned on their net defense, registering 15 blocks, with Bernadine Boston accounting for six.
Cathlyn Umal, who had 13 blocks in the Final Four decider against Adamson University, added four. – TJ
