NU, Adamson close in on PVL finals

National U’s Aiko Urdas connects on a hard spike against Arellano U’s Andrea Marzan (14) and Necole Ebuen during their PVL Collegiate Conference Final Four duel at the San Juan Arena. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

National University and Adamson University took pole positions in the road to the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference finals Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Centre.

The Lady Bulldogs made quick work of Arellano University in the first semifinals series with a three-set sweep, 25-17, 25-16, 25-23 to take a 1-0 lead in the three-game series.

Jaja Santiago spearheaded NU with 24 points while Risa Sato celebrated her 22nd birthday with 11 points.

“Our goal was activate our quickers and take advantage of the smaller Arellano lineup,” said Santiago whose 6-foot-5 frame towers over every Lady Chief. “And I saw that our offense clicked so we just exploited it.”

In the other semifinals match, the Lady Falcons had to fight back from a one-set deficit to stop Far Eastern University, 21-25, 25-22, 20-25, 25-14, 15-8, and take a 1-0 series lead.

Christine Soyud carried the scoring yoke for Adamson from injured captain Jema Galanza finishing with 23 points while Bernadette Flora and Chiara Permentilla had 14 points apiece.

“Without Jema out, there’s so much that our team is lacking. First set I put Eli (Soyud) in Jema’s spot and (Bernadette) Flora as the opposite. It’s just a learning adjustment for me as a coach you make this decisions and you think it’s gonna click but Eli’s home is at the opposite and I think when we switched it up she started coming alive,” said Adamson head coach Air Padda.

Toni Rose Basas and Jeanette Villareal combined for 30 points to lead FEU.