Lady Bulldogs untouchable in SSL sweep

MANILA, Philippines — UAAP titlist National U added another diadem to its growing, glowing treasure chest by staving off Far Eastern U, 25-21, 23-25, 20-25, 25-19, 15-10, to complete a sweep of the 2024 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

For the second straight match, the Lady Bulldogs were pushed to the limit by the hard-fighting Lady Tamaraws but pulled enough aces up their sleeves for a great escape act and a 2-0 finale sweep.

Overall, NU won all six matches in the week-long tourney featuring a stacked cast from all over the country to add the SSL Invitationals to its resume filled with two UAAP titles and two SSL pre-season crowns.

But the Lady Bulldogs didn’t pocket another tiara without a sweat, needing a twin of heroic acts from Alas Pilipinas standouts Arah Panique and Bella Belen.

Panique hammered 27 points, including the last two points to douse cold water on FEU’s blazing rally, while Belen had 25 points on 23 hits for their fitting sendoff before joining the Alas training camp.

Nataszha Kaye Bombita chipped in 11 while Alexa Mata had seven for the wards of coach Norman Miguel, who scored a gritty 25-22, 18-25, 25-19, 18-25, 15-13 win in Game 1.

Earlier, NCAA three-peat champion College of St. Benilde met a stronger resistance from rival Letran but ably took care of business in a 23-25, 25-14, 19-25, 25-20, 17-15 win to secure the bronze medal.

Rhea Densing (24), Wielyn Estoque (18), Zamantha Nolasco (14) and Clydel Catarig (14) and Mary Grace Borromeo (11) joined forces in the Lady Blazers’ comeback from a set down, including a 14-15 deficit in the extended clincher.