NU targets perfect tourney

National University could forge a record sweep in the Premier Volleyball League if it dusts off Far Eastern U in the battle for the Collegiate Conference crown that kicks off with Game 1 Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Centre.

The powerhouse Lady Bulldogs swept their group in the classification phase and blanked the Arellano Lady Chiefs in their Final Four duel to book a slot in the best-of-three finals.

If National U scores back-to-back wins, it will notch the league’s first perfect tournament.

But that will be easier said than done with veteran Bernadeth Pons back in the FEU fold. Pons returned to lead the Lady Tams past Adamson’s Lady Falcons in their semifinal knockout duel, scoring 15 hits, including the match-clinching kill that sealed their 21-25, 25-20, 25-22, 25-18 victory.

However, Pons and libero Kyla Atienza will miss Game 1 to anchor FEU’s campaign in the UAAP beach volleyball tournament, making the intact Lady Bulldogs the heavy picks in their 6:30 p.m. encounter.

“It’s a challenge for us coaches and for the players who will fill in their spots,” said FEU coach George Pascua.

NU will parade a solid crew composed of Jaja Santiago, Risa Sato, Aiko Urdas, Jorelle Singh, Audrey Paran and ace playmaker Jasmine Nabor.

FEU is shooting for a sweep of the PVL titles as its men’s team clashes with Ateneo in their best-of-three finals at 10 a.m.