National University completed a second round sweep after tripping Far Eastern University, 25-21, 25-19, 25-22, to secure a twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Final Four at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.
“Modesty aside, siguro medyo nasa tamang timing lang kami. Pero hindi kami puwedeng mag-relax,” said Lady Bulldogs coach Norman Miguel.
NU finished the elimination round with a 12-2 record, currently at solo first over idle De La Salle University (11-2) and University of Santo Tomas (11-2).
The two schools will duke it out on Saturday for the second twice-to-beat edge.
A win by the Golden Tigresses will put the Lady Bulldogs at second, while a Lady Spikers victory will give the Bustillos-based side the top seed in the semifinals.
“Masaya kami we finished the second round well. Kami ang mindset namin after this last game ng elimination, doon pa lang talaga magi-start yung totoong laban eh,” said Miguel.
Chenie Tagaod tied the game for the Lady Tamaraws late in the third set with three straight hits, 19-all.
However, Alyssa Solomon, Erin Pangilinan, and Vange Alinsug did not let FEU extend the match as they led NU’s finish for the win in one hour and 32 minutes.
(C) Nicks Hernandez/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
Camilla Lamina tossed 14 excellent sets as the Lady Bulldogs had four players in double figures in the straight sets win led by Solomon’s 13 points.
Bella Belen contributed 12 points, while Alinsug ended up with 11. Pangilinan rounded things out with 10 to her name.
(C) Nicks Hernandez/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
Shaira Jardio also had a good defensive showing of 16 excellent receptions and 11 digs.
The Lady Tamaraws saw their five-game winning run snapped to enter the Final Four with a 9-5 slate.
Faida Bakanke led all scorers with 14 points along with four digs in the losing cause. Meanwhile, Tagaod and Gerzel Petallo each posted nine points.
