DEFENDING champion National University and De La Salle University are set to face off again in the finals of the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament after NU triumphed over Adamson University in four sets, 22-25, 25-22, 25-12, 25-15 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.
Mhicaela Belen, reigning MVP, led the charge for the Lady Bulldogs with a career-high of 29 points, including 22 attacks, five blocks, and two aces, to go along with 19 excellent receptions. Her performance paved the way for NU's return to the UAAP finals.
Despite the win, Belen said the team still had a lot of work to do before Sunday's finals.
"We’re happy po na nanalo kami this game pero yung start po kasi namin hindi ganun ka-ganda...I think marami pa po kaming dapat i-improve para pagdating sa finals maayos yung laro namin and smooth na," she said.
The Lady Bulldogs struggled early on, but quickly regained their composure and took the next two sets to establish a 2-1 lead against the Lady Falcons. In the fourth frame, NU dominated with a five-to-nothing blast spearheaded by Belen and Alyssa Solomon, leading to a 10-point advantage at 20-10, and ultimately sealing the victory.
Solomon backed up Belen with 21 points on 17 attacks, three aces, and a block, along with 12 excellent digs, while Vange Alinsug contributed 14 markers.
Camilla Lamina tossed 24 excellent sets and two points, while Jennifer Nierva gathered 16 excellent receptions and 14 excellent digs.
"Akala namin magiging madali sa amin e yung Adamson magaling sila dumepensa, may atake sila so sinabi namin dapat magising na kami sa nangyari sa amin nung first set na dapat ilabas namin kung ano yung galaw namin," added
Kate Santiago led the charge for Adamson with 15 points on nine attacks and six blocks, while Lorene Toring added 11 markers on 11 attacks.
Lucille Almonte scored nine points, while rookie Trisha Tubu was held to six points, her lowest output this season.
Games Sunday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
2 p.m. – UST vs FEU (Men Step-ladder)
4 p.m. – DLSU vs NU (Women Finals)