NU Lady Bulldogs during the Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals Final against FEU Lady Tamaraws. –SSL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — National University completed another perfect title run in the Shakey’s Super League, sweeping Far Eastern University in the Finals and capturing the National Invitationals title on Tuesday night at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Alas Pilipinas stars Bella Belen and Arah Panique anchored the Lady Bulldogs’ 25-21, 23-25, 20-25, 25-19, 15-10 come-from-behind win in Game 2 before flying to Japan for their national team duties.
Panique unleashed a tournament-high 27 points, highlighted by back-to-back hits that completed NU’s six-game sweep of the week-long tournament after ruling the centerpiece Collegiate Preseason Conference for two consecutive years.
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“We just showed our strong hearts and made good communication inside the court and just trusted each other,” said Panique in Filipino after drilling 17 kills, six aces, and four kill blocks.
Belen sustained her fine form with 25 points after leading NU’s 25-22, 18-25, 25-19, 18-25, 15-13 win over FEU in Game 1 less than 24 hours ago. Kaye Bombita added 11 points.
Gerz Petallo led FEU with 20 points, while Chenie Tagaod and Jean Asis had 18 and 12 markers, respectively.
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Meanwhile, College of Saint Benilde salvaged a first-ever podium finish after a gritty 23-25, 25-14, 19-25, 25-20, 17-15 Game 2 win over Letran.
Wewe Estoque took care of business in the closing stretch of the deciding fifth set, scoring the Lady Blazers’ last four points capped by back-to-back aces to capture the bronze medal. She finished with 18 points for the ‘three-peat’ NCAA champion.
“We just trusted ourselves, our teammates and showed teamwork. We tried to bounce back from our mistakes and that we need to put more effort on defense and offense,” said Rhea Densing, who scored four of CSB’s last five points in the fourth set that shattered a 20-20 deadlock to force a fifth set.
Densing led the Lady Blazers with 24 points off 20 kills and four blocks. Zamantha Nolasco and Clydel Catarig added 14 points. Grace Borromeo added 11 after their 21-25, 25-21, 25-16, 25-17 win in Game 1 on Monday.
Gia Maquilang paced Letran with 22 points. Nizelle Martin had 15 points, while Judiel Nitura and Royce Dela Cruz chipped in 10 each.