National University clinched the first twice-to-beat incentive for the UAAP Season 84 Women’s Volleyball tournament’s Final Four after defeating Adamson University in four sets, 25-20, 25-17, 13-25, 25-13, Thursday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Lady Bulldogs were able to clinch the playoff incentive after notching their 11th win in the tournament. Current third University of Santo Tomas can only get up to 10 wins maximum.
But more than the post-season edge, NU head coach Karl Dimaculangan stressed that winning was more important to further boost their confidence.
“Importante sa amin yung panalo na ‘to kasi dagdag confidence sa amin,” said the first-year NU head coach. “Parang looking forward na nga rin kami sa Final Four kaya kami nag pe-prepare talaga nang maayos, kailangan naming gumalaw na parang as if hindi namin iniintindi yung standing.”
Going for the kill, Ivy Lacsina converted a running attack to put the Bulldogs ahead by 10, 23-13, in the fourth set. Alyssa Solomon then scored off the block before Lacsina ended the game.
Solomon dropped 20 big points on 17 attacks and three aces while Mhicaela Belen added 18 points and 11 excellent receptions to lead NU to an immaculate 11-0 slate.
Team captain Princess Robles chipped in 12 points while Lacsina and Sheena Toring had 10 and eight points, respectively. Camilla Lamina dished out 26 excellent sets to go along with three points while Jennifer Nierva had 17 receptions and 16 digs.
On the other hand, the Lady Falcons, who kept the fourth spot with a 6-5 record, were led by Trisha Genesis with eight points and nine receptions and May Ann Nuique and Krich Macaslang with seven points each.
Adamson figured in a rough start, falling 0-2 early in the game which forced head coach Lerma Giron to dig deep into her rotation. All in all, a total of 14 players entered the game for Giron’s Lady Falcons, who dealt the Lady Bulldogs their fourth set loss of the tournament in the third frame.
NU will open the games on Saturday against University of the Philippines at 10:00 AM while Adamson will take on Ateneo de Manila University at 6:30 PM.
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