National University (NU) pulled off a dramatic comeback to punch a ticket back to the Finals of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament while Far Eastern University (FEU) and University of Santo Tomas (UST) kept their title hopes alive in the men’s division with strong semifinal performances on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Down two sets and staring at elimination, the top-seeded Lady Bulldogs staged a thrilling reverse sweep to oust the No. 4 seed Lady Tamaraws, 20-25, 22-25, 25-23, 25-14, 17-15, in a rematch of last season’s Final Four.
The hard-earned win sent NU to its fourth consecutive Finals appearance as it aims for back-to-back titles and its third championship in four seasons.
Most Valuable Player (MVP) frontrunner Bella Belen spearheaded NU’s fightback with 24 points on 23 attacks and a block, while Alyssa Solomon added 21 points built on 18 kills, a block, and two aces. Vange Alinsug chipped in 18 points including three crucial blocks.
“We always say that a game doesn’t end just because you win one or two sets,” said Belen, who also served as a stabilizing presence when NU’s back was against the wall.
“We really worked hard for the third and fifth sets. I have a lot of trust in my teammates — I knew we could win this game.”
NU head coach Sherwin Meneses gave credit to his players for staying composed despite the shaky start.
“Of course, I’m thankful to the players because they respond well to the situations we present to them,” Meneses said.
“But the battle isn’t over yet. We’ll enjoy this win — just a bit — then it’s back to work to defend the title.”
FEU pushed the Lady Bulldogs to the limit with a valiant effort, led by Faida Bakanke’s 15 points.
Jaz Ellarina and Gerz Petallo scored 14 apiece while Chenie Tagaod added 10.
NU now awaits the winner of the other women’s semifinal clash between the De La Salle University Lady Spikers and the Golden Tigresses.
In the men’s division, UST stunned defending champion NU with a four-set victory, 26-24, 27-25, 19-25, 25-18, to force a knockout match in their Final Four series.
The Golden Spikers snapped a four-match losing skid to the Bulldogs, including their Season 86 Finals loss, and kept their championship aspirations alive in dramatic fashion.
Meanwhile, FEU made sure there would be no repeat of last year’s collapse.
The top-ranked Tamaraws, booted out by UST in the same stage a season ago despite holding the twice-to-beat edge, made quick work of La Salle this time around.
After dropping the opening set, they bounced back to dominate the rest of the match, 24-26, 25-23, 25-19, 25-20, to book their first Finals berth since Season 81.
FEU now awaits the winner of the sudden-death showdown between NU and UST for the right to challenge them in the men’s title series.