MANILA — Defending champion National University stormed back from a set down and unleashed a decisive late-game surge to topple University of Santo Tomas, 20–25, 26–24, 26–24, 25–21, and punch its ticket to the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Lady Bulldogs showcased championship poise in crunch time, overturning an early setback and seizing control in the closing stretch with an 11–3 blast anchored on Negrense standout Arah Panique and playmaker Evangeline Alinsug.
Panique delivered a game-high 23 points built on 21 attacks and two blocks, while adding three excellent digs to power NU into its fifth consecutive finals appearance.
Alinsug backed her up with an all-around performance of 18 points, 15 excellent receptions, and seven excellent digs, while Chamy Maaya made her presence felt at the net with 14 markers, highlighted by five blocks.
The victory sets up another heavyweight finals clash, as NU braces for its fourth title showdown against De La Salle University in the last five UAAP seasons. The Lady Bulldogs hold the upper hand, having defeated the Lady Spikers in last year’s championship series.
La Salle enters the finals riding high after sweeping the elimination round, while NU is determined to extend its dominance and secure a third straight crown.
UST, on the other hand, settled for third place for the second consecutive season despite a gritty campaign that saw the Golden Tigresses survive two knockout games to reach the semifinals. Regina Jurado led the Tigresses with 19 points in the loss.
The match also marked an emotional farewell for UST libero Detdet Pepito, who capped an illustrious 11-year stint with the program. Pepito exits as one of the most decorated liberos in UAAP history, highlighted by six Best Libero awards across her high school and collegiate career./PN
