By MARK REY MONTEJO
National University displayed championship poise as it survived a pesky Far Eastern University, 20-25, 22-25, 25-23, 25-14, 17-15, for a return trip to the finals in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, May 3.
The Lady Bulldogs, who enjoyed a twice-to-be semifinal incentive, crawled back from a 0-2 set deficit with veterans Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon and Vange Alinsug delivering the goods on their way to a fourth straight finals appearance.
Belen was splendid on all fronts and pumped in 24 points on 23 attacks and one blocks, while also managing 14 digs and 10 receptions, even as Solomon and Alinsug sizzled with 21 and 18 points, respectively.
Rookie Lovely Lopez tried to save the day for FEU with some late-game attacks, but her efforts weren’t enough as the NU mainstays stepped up in the crunch.
Lams Lamina also spelled the difference with her playmaking skills by posting 26 excellent sets, even as Chamy Maaya and Alex Mata dropped 13 and eight points, respectively, to further ignite the Lady Bulldogs.
Faida Bakanke had 15 points, Jaz Ellarina and Gerz Petallo managed 14 points apiece, and Chen Tagaod scored 10 points for FEU in a losing effort.
The Lady Bulldogs await the winner between the De La Salle Spikers and the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses for their finals rival.
