By: Nicole Gonzales
National University–Nazareth School extended its winning streak to six after stalling University of Santo Tomas’ Final Four bid in a five-set thriller, 25-13, 17-25, 25-27, 25-17, 15-8, in the UAAP Season 88 High School Girls’ Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday at Paco Arena in Manila.
The Lady Bullpups improved to a 12-1 record, strengthening their bid to finish atop the standings after the elimination round.
Adamson University remained tied with NUNS at the top spot, also with a 12-1 record, following a 25-19, 22-25, 25-23, 25-18 win over Far Eastern University–Diliman.
The victory served as a strong rebound for the Baby Falcons after their perfect 11-match win streak was snapped by the Bullpups last Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Lady Tamaraws slid to 8-5, while the Junior Golden Tigresses fell to 7-6.
De La Salle Zobel claimed its seventh win in 13 matches, tying UST for fourth place after sweeping the University of the East, 25-9, 25-16, 25-18.
Halfway through the opening set, at 15-13, the Lady Bullpups went on a 10-point surge, powered by Danielle Tulabut’s offensive efforts.
“Nire-remind ko lang sila palagi na ‘Ang strength ng team namin is yung support system ng bawat isa’. Buti nagtulungan yung team, may nag-step up,” said NUNS head coach Karl Dimaculangan.
UST responded in the second set, starting strong at 9-3. Kim Rubin secured the set for the Junior Golden Tigresses with a key attack through the block.
The third set saw both teams locked at 20-all after a powerful hit from Diza Berayo. However, two consecutive errors by NUNS allowed UST to take the set.
NUNS regained control in the fourth set, building an early lead with Slash Obera scoring three straight points, putting NU ahead at 9-4 with a down-the-line hit. The Lady Bullpups closed out the set with a kill block.
In the decisive fifth set, the defending champions capitalized on their blocking, shutting down UST’s offense at 8-2. Berayo brought the Lady Bullpups to match point with a crosscourt spike, and NU sealed the victory after a UST error.
“Malaking bagay [itong panalo], kasi pa-dulo na ng season. Siguro aangat pa yung team preparing for final four. Importante maka-recover muna kami, celebrate namin itong panalo namin, [pero] ‘di kami pwede maging complacent,” Dimaculangan added.
Berayo showed the way with 23 points — 19 from attacks, three kill blocks, and an ace. Tulabut added 18 points, including 16 attacks and two aces, while Obera contributed 13.
For UST, Rubin posted 21 points, with 19 from attacks, plus one block and an ace. Pelaez added 16 points, including 13 attacks and three blocks, and middle blocker Patricia Mendoza scored 12 points.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Adamson showed composure in their win over FEU-D, bouncing back from a prior loss to NUNS.
“It was a very good loss for us, kasi kung manalo kami doon, magiging complacent kami. So, it’s all about the learnings and teachings after that loss,” said Adamson head coach JP Yude.
The Lady Tamaraws stayed competitive, but the Baby Falcons responded to every challenge.
“Nakikita kong palaban yung mga players namin, especially during pressure moments,” he added.
Ellaine Gonzalvo led Adamson with 25 points — all from spikes — while Kristal Martin and Janna Dizon added eight points each.
For FEU-D, Ifnanya Udeagbala also tallied 25 points, 24 from attacks. Joeyana Bongo added 10 points (seven attacks, three blocks) and team captain Cathlyn Umal contributed seven.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The Junior Lady Spikers kept their Final Four hopes alive, led by Jelliane Laborte with 14 points from nine attacks. Kylie Celada scored all eight of her points from attacks.
Daisy Tomaque and Janella Mangahis led the Junior Warriors with nine points apiece. UE, which earned its first win after beating Ateneo in its comeback season, dropped to 1-12.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
University of the Philippines Integrated School defeated Ateneo, 25-18, 23-25, 25-8, 25-14, improving to 4-9.
The Blue Eagles remained tied with the Junior Warriors at 1-12.
Anya Callo led UPIS with 20 points, 16 from attacks, while Anya Capus added 18 points, six from service aces.
For Ateneo, Jelena Dait topped the scoring with 10 points, nine from spikes and a service ace, while Gian Damian contributed six points.
