UAAP girls volleyball: NUNS clinches Final Four spot

NUNS Bullpups in the UAAP Season 87 girls high school volleyball tournament. –UAAP PHOTO

National University Nazareth School bested De La Salle Zobel, 25-9,25-18,25-16, to seize the solo lead and a place in the Final Four in the UAAP Season 87 high school girls tournament on Wednesday at Paco Arena.

Den Daylisan had 11 points on 10-of-21 kills while Herlyn Serneche also scored 11 points as the Bullpups rose to 7-1 in the standings.

“Since the end of the second round is approaching, we need to see other players step up,” said NUNS head coach Karl Dimaculangan. “Hopefully, everyone can keep up and contribute, especially in crucial games.”

The Junior Lady Spikers fell to 3-6, two and a half games behind defending champion Adamson in the race for the last Final Four slot.

UST Junior Tigresses in the UAAP Season 87 girls high school volleyball tournament. –UAAP PHOTO

Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas triumphed over Far Eastern University-Diliman, 20-25,25-21,25-16,25-20, to climb to solo second with a 6-2 card and also reach the Final Four.

Kim Rubin led the Junior Tigresses with 21 points, including seven service aces, Jai Adrao chipped in nine kills. while Avril Bron contributed eight blocks.

Aneeza Santos drove UST’s offense with 13 excellent sets, while libero Chasliey Pepito collected 12 excellent digs.

The loss dropped the Baby Tamaraws to third spot at 6-2, half a game behind the Junior Tigresses in the race for the second twice-to-beat slot in the Final Four.

“We gradually corrected our play until we caught up, even though FEU went on a 4-0 or 5-0 run,” said UST head coach Kungfu Reyes. “We recovered, returned to our rhythm, and responded well to every instruction from the coaches, like target serves and blocking patterns. It was great to see them returning to our standard of play, and of course, getting the win.”

Aleah Devosora led the Baby Tamaraws charge with 15 points, made with 14 attacks and an ace, while Raine Alonzo chipped in 13 kills.

Later, University of the Philippines Integrated School defeated Ateneo De Manila University in straight sets, claiming their second win, 25-10, 26-24, 25-18.

Janelle Guarino led the Fighting Maroons with nine points, six in attacks, and three aces, while Nina Abad also had nine points, including four service aces.

The Junior Fighting Maroons remain at sixth with a 2-7 record, while the Blue Eagles bowed out of contention with a ninth straight defeat.