Lady Bulldogs gain shot at SSL crown

MANILA, Philippines — Undefeated National U booted out Santo Tomas yesterday, 25-23, 23-25, 25-21, 25-17, and barged into the finals of the Shakey’s Super League Preseason Championship yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

The Lady Bulldogs atoned for a second-set meltdown with a domination of the next two sets as they shored up their drive for another collegiate volleyball title after reigning supreme in the UAAP last season via a historic sweep.

Five players hammered out double-digit outputs for NU, led by UAAP Rookie-MVP winner Bella Belen with 24 points and UAAP Best Opposite Spiker Alyssa Solomon with 19 markers.

Ces Robles and Erin Pangilinan turned in 15 apiece with Sheena Toring firing 12 for NU, which now sports a pretty good chance of completing another sweep feat.

NU will spike it out against either La Salle or Adamson – which were to play last night in the other semis pairing – next Saturday in a one-game showdown for the inaugural crown of SSL organized by Athletic Events and Sports Management, Inc. (ACES).

“I just reminded the team to work harder, that we can’t afford to give UST momentum and their young players to gain confidence. It’s also a big advantage that we have experienced players that know what to do in tight situations,” said coach Karl Dimaculangan.

“Parang naging complacent kami noong isang set. Nag-usap lang ulit kami na maging mindful sa galaw namin. Na-lessen namin ‘yung errors, pati sa blockings,” added Solomon.

Rookies Xyza Gula (21) and Angeli Abellan (20) paced the Tigresses, who were relegated to the bronze-medal match against the loser between La Salle and Adamson.

Meanwhile, University of the Philippines outlasted Far Eastern U in a thrilling 26-24, 28-26, 27-29, 22-25, 15-8 victory in the first phase of the classification matches.

UP will face the winner between Ateneo and University of Perpetual Help System Dalta for the consolation fifth place.