Lady Bulldogs roar to semis

SLOWLY BUT surely, National U is finally reaping the benefits of a strengthened women’s volleyball program.

The Lady Bulldogs clinched a place in the Shakey’s V-League semifinals for the first time in the school’s history after hammering out a thrilling five-set victory over Far Eastern U yesterday in Season 8 First Conference at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

As the Lady Bulldogs whooped it up after a 21-25, 20-25, 25-23, 25-22, 15-13 quarterfinal conquest, one of their biggest supporters, businessman Hans Sy, whose family is the majority owner of the university, applauded their achievement from the bleachers area.

“I’m proud of the team,” said NU coach Francis Vicente, whose squad joined St. La Salle of Bacolod and Ateneo in the next round.

“They have the will to win. The winning attitude that we want to instill in this team is already there.”

The Lady Bulldogs’ remarkable feat overshadowed a dominant performance by Adamson, which pinned a first loss on Ateneo, 28-26, 25-10, 25-19, in the second game.

With the victory, the Lady Falcons remained on track to reaching the Final Four from Group I. Adamson faces Lyceum in a virtual knockout match for the remaining semifinal berth on Tuesday.

Ateneo is already assured of a semifinal berth after winning over Perpetual Help Thursday.

Adamson guest player Nene Bautista, back after a two-game absence, fired 18 points for the Lady Falcons, who overcame a strong challenge in the first set.

The centerpiece of NU’s rebuilding program, 6-1 Aleona Denise Santiago, came through with big plays in the deciding set as the Lady Bulldogs recovered their bearings after losing the third and fourth sets.