NATIONAL University survived a pair of knockout matches to stay in the hunt in both volleyball divisions of the UAAP men and women volleyball tournament yesterday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Lady Bulldogs outlasted a Far Eastern University side that came to life in the final two sets, 25-13, 25-17, 25-27, 25-23, to advance in the stepladder semifinals of women’s volleyball.
“Everything was good in the first two sets—our reception, setting and combination of attacks,” said NU coach Roger Gorayeb. “But we expected that [FEU] won’t just give up. We expected them to fight.”
Myla Pablo (22 points), Jorelle Singh (20 points) and Jaja Santiago (19 points) carried the fight for the Lady Bulldogs after the Lady Tamaraws rallied and nearly forged a deciding fifth set.
The Lady Bulldogs will again fight for survival versus No. 2 La Salle, which holds a twice-to-beat advantage, at 4 p.m. on Wednesday also at the Big Dome.
The last team standing in the stepladder format will battle outright finalist Ateneo, the unbeaten defending champion toting a thrice-to-beat edge.
In men’s action, NU overpowered University of Santo Tomas in straight sets, 25-18, 25-23, 25-23, in their knockout semifinal match to clinch the last championship berth.
Peter Torres scattered 13 points to lead the Bulldogs, who overcame the Tigers’ twice-to-beat advantage in the series.
“We showed our real game, that’s what we’ve been looking for,” said NU coach Dante Alinsunurin.