NATIONAL University remained on course for a three-peat in the girls division of the 78th University Athletic Association of the Philippines junior volleyball tournament at the Adamson University gym.
The Lady Bullpups posted a perfect 12-game elimination round sweep after they beat University of the East, 25-21, 26-24, 25-17, on Saturday, and then swamped UP Integrated School, 25-7, 25-10, 25-9, the next day.
By sweeping the eliminations, NU jumped straight to the best-of-three championship.
University of Santo Tomas blew past the Far Eastern University-Diliman, 25-17, 25-14, 25-14, to secure a twice-to-beat advantage in the step-ladder semifinals.
The Junior Tigresses finished second with a 10-2 card, with both losses coming at the hands of the Bullpups.
De La Salle-Zobel wound up third with a 8-4 card with its opponent in the first step-ladder semifinals yet to be determined.
The Junior Warriors, the Baby Tamaraws and Adamson ended up in a three-way tie from fourth to sixth spots with identical 4-8 slates.
FEU-Diliman will face the Baby Falcons in the first do-or-die match at 3 p.m. today, with the winner taking on UE in the knockout game for the remaining berth in the step-ladder semifinals on Thursday.
The Junior Maroons finished the season without a win in 12 contests in last place.