NU, UP shuttlers gain semis; La Salle, UE lady cagers score

NATIONAL University and University of the Philippines claimed Final Four berths in men’s badminton, while La Salle and University of the East sustained their strong start in women’s basketball in the UAAP over the weekend.

Both the Bulldogs and the Maroons stayed unbeaten in five games after downing separate opponents in men’s badminton at Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall.

The Bulldogs scored a 5-0 shutout of UE, while the Maroons drubbed Far Eastern U, 4-1, as the two winners inched closer to securing an outright slot in the best-of-three title series.

UP is also undefeated in four games in the distaff side after blanking Adamson, 5-0.

In women’s basketball, La Salle and UE stayed within striking distance of defending champion NU in first-round action at Mall of Asia Arena.

Camille Claro and Jamie Roxas teamed up for 26 points to power the Lady Archers past Adamson, 69-61; while Love Sto. Domingo and Eunique Chan combined for 30 points to lead the Lady Warriors past Ateneo, 60-50.

Both the Lady Archers and the Lady Warriors kept a share of second at 4-1, behind the perfect 4-0 card of the Lady Bulldogs.

NU also continued to dominate high school volleyball as the two-time girls’ champion streaked to its fourth straight victory.

Skipper Joyme Cagande, Faith Nisperos and Thea Gagate took charge as the Bullpups turned back the UST Junior Tigresses, 25-10, 25-10, 22-25, 25-17, at Adamson U gym.