NATIONAL U still stands strong at No. 2, fending off Shaina Nitura and Adamson, 25-20, 25-21, 25-21, in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball on Easter Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The Lady Bulldogs came through with a needed repeat, a win that kept the Final Four race from tightening around their necks.
Vange Alinsug delivered the game-winning ace to seal one of the defending champions' more commanding performances this tournament, as they have now won back-to-back, also taking three of the last four to improve to 8-3.
“Very crucial [win] siya because everyone is gaining strength, gumagaling lahat, naglilinis ng mga laro ‘yung lahat,” said head coach Regine Diego.
Alinsug’s 15-piece led the way for NU, along with twin 12-point games from Sam Cantada and Arah Panique.
Lams Lamina also posted 20 excellent sets and three points in her first full game without being replaced.
NU has all the answers for Adamson
The Lady Falcons handed away the first set with 11 errors, allowing the Lady Bulldogs to take early control with Lamina getting a rare start as lead setter.
The blue-and-gold pressed the advantage in the second, with veterans Panique and Alinsug taking charge and delivering on all fronts to stay in command.
And like their first-round duel at the same venue, National U made sure not to let Adamson break through and gain any further traction in finishing off another sweep.
Shaina Nitura’s 23 attacks paced the Lady Falcons' first loss after a three-game win run, denting their bid in a tight Final Four chase, as they temporarily dropped to fifth.
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