NU’s Bella Belen attacks Adamson’s defense during their UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball Final Four clash. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Defending champion National University forged a finals rematch with top seed La Salle after dispatching Adamson, 22-25, 25-22, 25-12, 25-15, in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Game 1 of the best-of-three championship series opens on Sunday, 4 p.m., at the Big Dome.
The Lady Bulldogs, who had a perfect 16-0 campaign last year, try to get back at the Lady Spikers, a team they haven’t beaten this season.
NU, however, has won seven straight since losing to La Salle in the second round of the eliminations.
Bella Belen erupted for a career-high 29 points off 22 spikes, five blocks, and two aces to go with 19 excellent receptions, while Alyssa Solomon also led the way with 21 points built on 17 attacks, three aces, and a block on top of 12 digs.
“We’re happy that we won this game. But we didn’t play well at the start. We still have a lot to improve when we enter the finals. We need to polish our game,” said Belen in Filipino.
Solomon agreed with the reigning UAAP MVP, vowing to play better against La Salle in the Finals.
“We won’t stop learning because we didn’t move well in the first set. We will change our mindset every start of the game,” Solomon said.
Vange Alinsug was also instrumental for the Lady Bulldogs with 14 points including two aces. Setter Lams Lamina dished out 24 excellent sets, as libero Jennifer Nierva protected the floor with 14 digs and 16 receptions.
Adamson’s first Final Four appearance since 2013 in Season 76 only lasted for one game as coach Jerry Yee’s return in the UAAP also ended with a loss to a twice-to-beat NU.
Kate Santiago led the Lady Falcons with 15 points off nine attacks and six blocks on top of 11 digs. Lorene Toring had 11 points, while Lucille Almonte added nine markers, 17 receptions, and eight digs.
Trisha Tubu was limited to a personal season-low six points when it mattered most for Adamson, while Louie Romero had 14 excellent sets and fired three service aces.