NATIONAL University survived a brief scare in the final set before disposing of La Salle-Dasmariñas, 25-13, 25-13, 25-21, to claim the first Final Four berth in the Shakey’s V-League yesterday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The Lady Bulldogs cruised past the Lady Patriots in the first two frames, but needed their stars to pull them through in the end to complete a 3-0 sweep of Group I.
Dindin Santiago tossed in 14 points and Myla Pablo had 13 for the Lady Bulldogs, who rallied in the final set by winning four of the last five points.
“We never think that we are favored,” said NU coach Edjet Mabbayad. “We always think that we’re at a disadvantage so we would give our best every game.”
In Group II, Perpetual kept its semifinal hopes up with a 1-1 slate after a 25-19, 25-27, 25-23, 25-22 victory over San Sebastian.
Sandra delos Santos and Honey Tubino led with 17 points each, while Joy Cases and setter Arriane Argarin delivered key plays to help the Lady Altas get past the Lady Stags’ strong challenge in the final two sets.
NU’s victory also towed idle Ateneo (2-1) to the semifinals, while eliminating La Salle-Dasmariñas (0-2) and Arellano (0-2) from the race.
Perpetual, though, faces a longer route to the Final Four as the Lady Altas must win against University of Santo Tomas tomorrow to forge a three-way tie at 2-1 and a playoff.
“It was really important for us to win because we want to play in the Final Four,” said Perpetual coach Jason Sapin.
Showing the tenacity that they needed, the Lady Altas rose from a 7-19 deficit in the third frame by rallying with a 13-2 surge against the Lady Stags on the way to a 2-1 set lead. With a report from Carla Perez