NU lady tossers seek semis edge against UP

MANILA, Philippines — National University will shoot for the twice-to-beat semifinal edge in UAAP women’s volleyball Wednesday after another dominant weekend.

In baseball, Ateneo and La Salle arranged a title showdown while University of the Philippines joined Far Eastern U in the top two of men’s football to earn a twice-to-beat semifinal bonus.

The Lady Bulldogs strengthened their hold of the No. 2 spot at 10-1 behind unbeaten volleyball leader La Salle (11-0) following a weekend victory that also wedged a three-game distance from third-running Ateneo (7-4).

Dindin Santiago fired a season-best eight service aces as NU overwhelmed University of the East, 25-12, 25-18, 25-13, at Filoil Flying V Arena.

The Lady Bulldogs secured at least a playoff for the semifinal bonus with Santiago producing a game-high 23 points and her similarly towering sister, the 6-foot-4 Jaja, chipping in 10 markers.

“We’re improving every game, and that’s what we want,” said NU coach Edjet Mabbayad as the Lady Bulldogs tackle struggling UP at 2 p.m. Wednesday FEU also kept its hold of fourth spot at 6-5 following a 26-24, 25-18, 25-18, win over University of Santo Tomas.

Over at Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium, the Green Archers (7-1) edged the Maroons, 14-11, while the defending champion Blue Eagles (6-2) blasted the Tigers, 14-4, victories that sealed the top two spots for the traditional rivals.

The Maroons, meanwhile, scored a 2-0 triumph over the Warriors that assured them of the No. 2 spot (22 points) in men’s football at Moro Lorenzo field in Ateneo.