MANILA, Philippines — National University secured its fifth consecutive trip to the UAAP Finals after overcoming University of Santo Tomas in the Season 88 stepladder semifinals, 20-25, 26-24, 26-24, 25-21, at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
Shaken by a first-set loss, the Lady Bulldogs quickly regrouped and captured the next three frames to arrange another championship showdown with the unbeaten La Salle Lady Archers.
Head coach Regine Diego credited the entire roster for the victory, emphasizing depth and trust in every player on the team.
NU displayed composure late in the fourth set, erasing an 18-14 deficit with a decisive 10-1 run to seize control, 24-19. Although UST fought back behind Angge Poyos and Regine Jurado, NU’s defense held firm, with Alexa Mata delivering the match-clinching block.
Arah Panique led the Lady Bulldogs with 23 points, while Vange Alinsug and Chamy Maaya added 18 and 14, respectively. Setter Lams Lamina orchestrated the offense with 34 excellent sets.
For the Golden Tigresses, Jurado and Poyos paced the scoring with 19 and 16 points, while libero Detdet Pepito capped her UAAP career with 23 receptions.
NU now faces La Salle, which swept the elimination round, in a best-of-three Finals series set to begin at Mall of Asia Arena. The Lady Bulldogs previously defeated La Salle in last season’s championship to claim the title.
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