By Ardyn Gonzales
The National University Lady Bulldogs stay undefeated as they overcame a 0-2 deficit in the match with a reverse sweep against the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, 17-25, 16-25, 25-19, 25-21, 15-12, in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament, Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The last time NU and FEU met in the previous season was in the Final Four where the Lady Bulldogs were also down 0-2 before Bella Belen came alive to rally the team to win the next three sets and a ticket to the finals.
Now, it was Arah Panique and Vange Alinsug’s turn to pull off an impressive reverse sweep after a slow start in this match where FEU dominatingly pocketed the first two sets.
Panique tallied her career-high 27 points build on 23 attacks, one service ace, and three kill blocks, including the game-winning denial on FEU’s Gerz Petallo that completed the comeback win for the defending champs. Meanwhile, team captain Alinsug also delivered a triple-double performance with 15 points, 13 excellent digs, and 15 excellent receptions.
After a 0-2 deficit in the match, reigning best setter Lams Lamina, who has been playing off the bench, provided the leadership and stability that NU needed to mount their comeback. The Lady Bulldogs quickly responded and won the next two sets to force a decider.
The championship experience of NU proved to be the main difference in the deciding set as they once again needed to survive a 7-11 disadvantage. Panique, Valinsug, and Sam Cantada joined forces to spark an 8-1 run that sealed their third victory in three games.
Meanwhile, four players of FEU scored in double-digits, but the effort wasn’t enough to get a much-needed win against NU. Petallo finished with 14 points, Cla Loresco added 12, and Aly Devosora and Jaz Ellarina contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively.
NU (3-0) will face UP (1-0) in their next match, while FEU (1-2) will hope to score a crucial win against Adamson (2-1).
Featured image courtesy of UAAP
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