National University survived a scare against Ateneo de Manila University, claiming a 5-set victory, 21-25, 28-30, 25-14, 25-13, 15-13, to secure the second twice-to-beat incentive in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Saturday.
The Lady Bulldogs, who won six straight games, finished the elimination round with an 11-3 record.
NU’s Final Four opponent will depend on the results of Adamson University’s and the University of Santo Tomas’ final elimination matches against Far Eastern University and the University of the Philippines, respectively, on Sunday.
Faith Nisperos gave NU the match point after a failed attack attempt that did not cross over, but AC Miner got one back for the Blue Eagles with a running attack that went off the block, 14-13. Mhicaela Belen, who tallied 26 points, sealed the victory with a hit that found the end line.
“We’re very happy kasi nakuha na po namin yung twice-to-beat this season pero despite that po, meron pa rin kaming kailangan iimprove lalo na sa game ngayon which is yung pagstart dapat namin nang maayos kasi nung first and second set po hindi po kami gaano katutok sa game,” said Belen, who went 25-of-54 in spikes, had 19 excellent receptions, and made 15 digs.
On the brink of being swept, the Lady Bulldogs fought back in the third set, pulling away midway and taking the win, 25-14.
Alyssa Solomon, Belen, and Cess Robles then teamed up to stage another huge run in the middle of the fourth period to reach the decider, 25-13.
Solomon was just behind Belen for the Bulldogs with 25 points on 22-of-46 attacks, two service aces, and a block.
Camilla Lamina, who tossed 17 excellent sets, also activated middles Erin Pangilinan and Sheena Toring with 13 points apiece, while Robles contributed 11 points.
Gandler led Ateneo in her final collegiate game with 20 points and 16 receptions, while Nisperos added 17 points and eight digs.
Roma Mae Doromal also had an impressive performance with 22 digs and 14 excellent receptions, while AC Miner had 12 points.
The Blue Eagles finished sixth with a 4-10 record.