National University clinched the No. 2 seed and a crucial bye in the first round of the step-ladder after rallying past University of Santo Tomas, 19-25, 23-25, 25-18, 25-18, 15-13, in the final elimination round playdate of UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
In finishing second behind outright finalist La Salle, the defending champions also gained a prolonged break as the Golden Tigresses dropped into a tie for fourth spot with Far Eastern at 8-6 and both will figure in a KO duel for the right to play third-ranked Adamson in another you-or-me match.
That means more than a week of rest and recalibration-with the battle for the second title series slot slated for May 2-for the Lady Bulldogs, who are coming off two five-set games, the other a heartbreaking setback to the Lady Spikers over the weekend.
The Lady Bulldogs willed their way back from a two-set deficit, riding the troika of Arah Panique, rookie Sam Cantada and the seasoned Vange Alinsug, before National U wrapped it all up when Angge Poyos sent an off-pace spike wide when the pressure was at its highest.
Alinsug then promptly drilled the game-winning kill.
‘I’m very proud, not just of this game, but even the last one. Even when we lost, we gave everything,’ said NU coach Regine Diego. ‘From that point, I knew these girls would play their best because we’ve already seen what we’re capable of.
‘We proved we can fight until the end.’
Panique led NU with 24 points built on 21 attacks, two blocks and an ace, while Cantada delivered 20 points, 17 excellent receptions and nine digs as the Lady Bulldogs closed out the eliminations at 10-4.
Alinsug added 13 points and 10 digs. Chams Maaya chipped in nine points, highlighted by three aces in the fourth set that sparked the comeback.
‘This experience showed me that the team is still developing, [and] they’re improving every day,’ Diego continued. ‘These players aren’t made yet, they’re still gaining experience. But you can really see how fast they’re growing with every game.
‘A lot of challenges’
‘It hasn’t been easy, we’ve faced a lot of challenges and obstacles. But they’re much stronger now compared to our first game.’
Setter Lams Lamina orchestrated the offense with 24 excellent sets and five points, while libero Shaira Jardio anchored the floor defense with 33 excellent receptions and 16 digs.
Cramping up in the fifth set, Poyos still paced the Tigresses with 24 points, 15 receptions and nine digs, while Reg Jurado added 21 points and 16 digs. Jonna Perdido and Avril Bron contributed eight points each.
Santo Tomas libero Detdet Pepito impressed with 20 excellent receptions out of 22 attempts and 16 digs, but the Tigresses fell short in the deciding set after surrendering late momentum.
The Lady Tamaraws stayed alive in semifinal slot hunt after a come-from-behind 22-25, 23-25, 25-12, 25-21, 15-10 win over the also-ran Ateneo in the first game.
Far Eastern also came back from two sets down to finish with an 8-6 record and catch the Tigresses as Gerz Petallo led the comeback with 17 points, 16 digs and 11 excellent receptions. Kyle Pendon contributed 13 points off six blocks, five spikes and two aces.