National University flaunted its deep arsenal, sweeping Adamson University, 25-16, 25-14, 25-18, to assure itself of at least a playoff for a twice-to-beat incentive in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Final Four at the Philsports Arena in Pasig, Saturday.
The Lady Bulldogs, who remained unscathed in the second round, raised their record to solo first at 11-2.
They remain ahead of idle De La Salle University and University of Santo Tomas, both at 10-2 with games on Sunday.
“Nung first round, nagkulang kami sa enjoyment. Ngayon, nandoon na yung enjoyment saka yung maturity na kailangan hindi kami magre-relax, na every game namin dapat all-out pa rin kami kahit sino kalaban,” said Alyssa Solomon, who buried 14 points on 12 attacks, a block, and an ace.
The Lady Falcons were just within two points late in the third set, trailing 17-19, when the Lady Bulldogs unleashed a massive closing surge.
Kaye Bombita, Bella Belen, and Myrtle Escanlar all contributed to secure the win in one hour and 18 minutes.
NU’s final match of the elimination round will be against fourth-placed Far Eastern University on Wednesday at 4:00 PM at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Belen also tallied 14 points, with 12 attacks and two aces, along with five digs, while Vange Alinsug added nine points.
Sheena Toring returned to the starting lineup and contributed eight points, including two blocks, for the Lady Bulldogs.
Adamson dropped to a 3-10 record and will conclude its campaign against Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday as well.
Ayesha Juegos paced the Lady Falcons with eight points. Meanwhile, Red Bascon and Ishie Lalongisip each made six points.
