Lady Tams, Lady Bulldogs boost bids

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

FAR EASTERN University and National U strengthened their Final Four bids with contrasting victories Wednesday in the UAAP Season 78 women’s volleyball tournament at Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.

The Lady Tamaraws rallied from a set down before foiling the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses, 20-25, 25-20, 25-15, 25-20, to gain a share of third spot with University of the Philippines.

Showing urgency in their play, the Lady Bulldogs denied the Lady Maroons outright entry to the semifinals while propping up their own bid with a 25-19, 25-23, 27-25 victory.

NU proved steadier in the second and third frames with Gayle Valdez, who filled in for libero Bia General, anchoring the floor defense with 16 digs as the Lady Bulldogs improved to 6-6. 

Myla Pablo scattered 14 hits while Jorelle Singh and Jaja Santiago finished with 11 and 10 hits, respectively, for NU, which is aiming for a fourth consecutive Final Four stint.

“Every game for us right now is a must-win,” said NU coach Roger Gorayeb.

The Lady Maroons stumbled at the first chance of clinching their first Final Four appearance in a decade. Rookie Isa Molde was the lone bright spot with nine points and 12 digs.

Meanwhile, Alfred Valbuena exploded for 26 points, including the match-clinching block on Jeric Gacutan that powered UP past FEU, 21-25, 27-25, 25-21, 21-15, 16-14.