MANILA — National University (NU) further solidified its hold on a Final Four berth after dismantling Adamson University in straight sets, 25-20, 25-21, 25-21, to tighten its grip on the second spot in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The Lady Bulldogs stretched their winning run and improved to 8-3, completing a season sweep of the Lady Falcons and reinforcing their status as one of the title contenders heading into the final stretch of eliminations.
Evangeline Alinsug spearheaded the offense with 15 points, including 12 attacks, while rookie Samantha Cantada and Arah Panique contributed 12 apiece for the Lady Bulldogs.
Camille Lamina, who got the starting setter position for this match, finished with 20 excellent sets to go with three markers for the reigning champions.
Meanwhile, Adamson slipped to 6-5, dropping to solo fifth place in the standings. Shaina Nitura was the lone double-digit scorer for the Lady Falcons with 23 markers.
In the men’s division, NU punched its ticket to the Final Four after outlasting Adamson University in five sets, 23-25, 25-20, 21-25, 25-21, 15-8, behind explosive performances from Negrense Leo Ordiales and Michaelo Buddin.
Now riding a four-match winning streak, the Bulldogs improved their record to 9-2, securing their 11th consecutive postseason appearance since Season 75 (2012-2013), which has yielded seven championships.
Team captain Peng Taguibolos added two points during that stretch, while Greg Ancheta and Buddin contributed one point each. Leo Coguimbal also committed two errors that aided NU’s cause.
Ordiales finished with 26 points on 20 spikes and six blocks, while Buddin recorded 26 points via 19 attacks, four blocks, and three aces, along with 14 excellent receptions.
Richard Besorio led the Soaring Falcons with 17 points and 15 excellent receptions, while Coguimbal also reached double digits with 13 points./PN
