NU advances on two fronts

NATIONAL University earned championship berths in men’s tennis and softball while University of the Philippines also advanced to the men’s football title round in separate UAAP action yesterday.

In women’s volleyball, Ateneo claimed the twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four with a win that pushed University of Santo Tomas into a knockout match against NU for the last semifinal slot.

The Bulldogs completed a 10-game sweep of tennis following a 5-0 shutout of the Tigers (8-2) on the final day of elimination at Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

The Bulldogs now stand as favorite as they head into the finals with a twice-to-beat advantage over the Tigers this Friday.

NU also secured the last title berth in softball after downing UST, 5-3, behind Clarifer Singh, Arianne Vallestero and pitcher Rutche Tañola in the stepladder semifinals at Rizal Memorial ballpark.

But the Lady Bulldogs face a virtual all-star crew in the unbeaten Adamson Lady Falcons, who are seeking a third straight title in their title duel at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

In men’s football, UP advanced to the finals after tripping Far Eastern University, 2-1, in their winner-take-all semifinal match at Erenchun field in Ateneo.

The Maroons will vie for a third straight title against Ateneo, which claimed the first title slot after ousting rival La Salle.

Ateneo also secured the No. 2 spot in women’s volleyball as the Lady Eagles drubbed the Tigresses, 28-26, 25-15, 25-22, at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Alyssa Valdez fired 23 points and Fille Cainglet scored nine on top of eight digs to lead the Lady Eagles (10-4) who finished behind defending champion La Salle (13-1).

The loss pushed the Tigresses (8-6) into a do-or-die match against the Lady Bulldogs (8-6) for the last semifinal berth.

Adamson (9-5) settled for No. 3 after besting UP, 25-20, 25-9, 25-17.