Lady Bulldogs one win shy of elims sweep

MANILA, Philippines — Undefeated National U yesterday recovered from a first-set loss and drubbed Far Eastern U, 24-26, 25-17, 25-19, 25-10, to move a win shy of an outright finals berth in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Rookie Mhicaela Belen had another solid all-around game with 18 markers, eight digs and nine receptions as the Lady Bulldogs moved on the cusp of a two-round elimination sweep with a 13-0 card.

For its last game in the elims tomorrow, NU meets Santo Tomas (9-4), which booked a slot in the Final Four with a 26-24, 25-18, 25-19 win over listless University of the East (0-13).

“Mga ganitong game ‘yung consequence kapag hindi kami naglaro nang maayos. Kaya nire-remind ko sila palagi na hindi puwede maging complacent kahit sinong kalaban,” said coach Karl Dimaculangan as NU surrendered the opening set against the struggling FEU squad with only one victory.

“Good thing, naka-recover kami. Hindi pa tapos ang trabaho,” he added.

Ypril Tapia (13), Eya Laure (12) and Kecelyn Galdones (11) led a balanced attack as the Golden Tigresses joined NU and La Salle (9-3) in the Final Four.

In the third game, Final Four-bound La Salle (10-3) survived reigning champion Ateneo, 19-25, 25-18, 20-25, 25-22, 15-12 to deny its rival’s own playoff entry for now.

The Blue Eagles slid to 7-6, leaving Adamson and UP with a chance to secure the last Final Four ticket.

Only one Final Four ticket remains up for grabs among Ateneo (7-5), Adamson (6-6) and University of the Philippines (5-7).

The Lady Tamaraws (1-12) and the Lady Warriors (0-13) were eliminated as early as last week.