THIS modern-day National U dynasty isn’t going anywhere just yet.
With their ninth win in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball, the Lady Bulldogs ensured themselves of a spot in the Final Four after blowing by woebegone University of the East, 25-19, 25-14, 25-14, on Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
This marks five straight postseason appearances for NU, the longest streak in program history, highlighted by three titles in the last four seasons.
This time, though, the blue-and-gold is writing a new chapter without its golden generation led by Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon, as it continues to chase an elusive three-peat.
Vange Alinsug delivered an 11-point, 11-reception double-double to help the Lady Bulldogs clear the first hurdle in their three-peat bid.
“Happy ako kasi nakuha na namin ‘yung Final Four, pero hindi pa ‘yun ‘yung goal namin,” the captain said.
“Pagtatrabahuan pa namin dahil alam namin na hindi pa kami tapos sa goal namin mismo.”
Full force Lady Bulldogs
Sam Cantada and Arah Panique backed her up with strong service games, firing four aces each to punctuate their 11-point performances.
In her second straight start, Lams Lamina chipped in 10 excellent sets and two points in the straight-sets win.
It was more of the same for the Lady Warriors, who absorbed their 12th loss in as many games.
Van Bangayan paced them with seven points and six digs, but another slow start that led to an even slower finish spelled their doom.
The third set proved to be their best chance, but an 11-9 lead quickly evaporated after a 9-0 run by National U.
That collapse stretched UE’s skid to 26 straight losses dating back to the entirety of Season 87.
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