NU clinches Final Four berth by beating Adamson

MANILA, Philippines – With a four set 25-18, 22-25, 26-24, 25-19 victory over the Adamson Lady Falcons, the NU Lady Bulldogs secured a Final Four spot in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday, February 18, at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

Lady Bulldogs star Jaja Santiago had another monstrous performance, coming up with 25 points – most of which came on 18 kills and 6 block points – as her team improved to 7-6. Since Head Coach Roger Gorayeb took over the squad, National University has gone 5-3. 

Rizza Mandapat and Myla Pablo each stepped up to ensure the win, registering a combined 23 points. Adamson, on the other hand, leaned on 15 points each from Mylene Paat and Jessica Galanza in addition to Amanda Villanueva’s 14 markers. 

Both clubs split the first two sets, but it was NU who won the pivotal third set in comeback fashion. Despite trailing 20-17 late in the period, the Lady Bulldogs unfurled a 7-4 run that tied the contest and forced an extra stretch of rallies. 

The Lady Bulldogs took control from there, and their momentum carried over to the fourth set. A deflated Adamson team was flat in the final period, committing consecutive errors early that helped their opponents cruise to the win.

In the statistical categories, both teams played each other to near draws. NU had more spike points, 50-46, but Adamson had more service aces, 5-3. Both teams had 12 block conversions each.

But the game was essentially decided by Adamson’s miscues, as they gave away 33 points due to errors.

A win for UP over FEU on Wednesday would make their upcoming match against NU a battle to decide who takes the no. 3 seed in the playoffs. 

Adamson’s loss dropped them to 5-8. They still have a chance to make the postseason, but their fate is no longer just in their hands. 

– Rappler.com