NU stays alive, for now, in UAAP women’s volley

Games today (Filoil Flying V Arena)

8 a.m. – UP vs UE (men)

9:30 a.m. – FEU vs NU (men)

2 p.m. – UP vs AdU (women)

3:30 p.m. – ADMU vs UST (women)

MANILA, Philippines - National University trounced vacation-bound Far Eastern, 25-19, 25-12, 25-18, to stay alive in the race for the remaining Final Four berth in the UAAP Season 75 women’s volleyball tourney yesterday at the Filoil Flying V Arena.

With the triumph, the Lady Bulldogs finished the eliminations with an 8-6 win-loss card for fifth spot. However, their fate hinges on the outcome of today’s 3:30 p.m. matchup between fourth-running Santo Tomas (8-5) and second-running Ateneo (9-4).

 A win by the Tigresses will write off NU whereas a victory by the Lady Eagles will set the stage for an NU-UST rubber match for the last semis seat.

“If UST will prevail against Ateneo, we can’t do anything but accept our fate. But if Ateneo wins, we’ll prepare big time for UST,” NU coach Francis Vicente said in Filipino.

Cai Nepomuceno poured in 18 points, while Dindin Santiago slammed in 11 hits, including four service aces, and libero Jen Reyes had 11 digs as the Lady Bulldogs capped the elims with two straight victories, maintaining a lifeline to the semis.

“We were motivated and got the result we wanted in this game,” said Vicente.

Mary Palma and Weeneth Eulalio each had seven points for FEU, which crashed out with a 6-8 record.  

Meanwhile, defending champion La Salle flexed just enough muscle to score a routine 25-11, 25-13, 25-15 victory over University of the East and cap its elims assignments with 13 straight wins.

Ara Galang punched in 14 hits and two blocks while Abigail Marano and Mika Reyes added 11.