V-League: NU knocks off UST, returns to finals

MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion National University booked a return trip to the Shakey’s V-League finals after sweeping University of Santo Tomas, 25-21, 25-22, 25-19, in their best-of-three semifinals series Tuesday at the Filioil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Bulldogs, who took Game 1 in four sets last Sunday, leaned on the towering Santiago sisters Dindin and Jaja to make quick work of the Tigresses.

Dindin and Jaja Santiago finished with 14 points apiece.

Pam Lastimosa led UST with 11 points while rookie EJ Laure had 10.

The Tigresses ended the tournament on a three-game losing skid but showed promise heading into the coming UAAP Season 77 with the emergence of Lastimosa, the much-improved play of Marivic Meneses and a rising star in the 16-year-old Laure.

NU will face either Adamson or Far Eastern University with the Lady Falcons up 1-0 in their semis duel.

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