The National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs stormed into the Final Four of the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament, extending their dominant reign with a decisive victory over the University of the East (UE). The team secured their fifth consecutive Final Four appearance, showcasing a peak performance at a crucial moment in the season.
NU’s recent surge includes a third consecutive win, elevating their record to 9-3 and positioning them strongly for the coveted second twice-to-beat advantage. Only the undefeated De La Salle University (12-0) currently holds a better record, creating a compelling rivalry as the season progresses.
The Lady Bulldogs now enjoy a two-game lead over Adamson University and University of Santo Tomas, both tied at 7-5, intensifying the competition for the second seed. The final format – traditional or stepladder – remains uncertain, adding another layer of anticipation.
“Hopefully, it does not end just in the top four,” declared NU mentor Regine Diego, revealing the team’s ambition to contend for the championship. “We want that twice-to-beat advantage and we want to play in the championship games.”
Despite a prior loss to De La Salle, NU remains the most significant threat to their automatic finals berth. The Lady Bulldogs are meticulously preparing for this challenge, having dispatched UE in a swift 84-minute match.
Vange Alinsug, Sam Cantada, and Arah Panique each contributed 11 points, leading a balanced NU attack. Alexa Nichole Mata and Chams Maaya added valuable support with eight and six points, respectively, demonstrating the team’s depth.
UE, unfortunately, continued to struggle, with no player reaching double figures. This loss marks their 26th consecutive defeat dating back to the previous season, a stark contrast to NU’s ascendance. Van Bangayan and Khy Cepeda managed seven and five points for the Lady Warriors.
The men’s division also saw NU’s dominance continue, securing a twice-to-beat incentive with a 25-16, 25-21, 25-15 victory over UE. Leo Ordiales led the scoring with 12 points, solidifying NU’s position as five-time champions.
Wednesday’s schedule at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion promises intense competition. The day will begin with a men’s clash between UE and De La Salle, followed by the women’s match between the same teams. The afternoon will feature a men’s showdown between Adamson University and University of the Philippines, concluding with a women’s contest between those two universities.
