NU survives FEU rally to keep twice-to-beat hopes alive

By Ardyn Gonzales

Defending champions National University Bulldogs remain in the middle of a three-way tie at the second spot after sweeping the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, 25-21, 25-14, 25-23, in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament, Sunday, at the PhilSports Arena. 

After dominating FEU in the first two sets, the Lady Bulldogs almost lost the third as the Lady Tamaraws successfully tied the game at 23-all. However, the duo of Bella Belen and Cess Robles came up with strong attacks to put a stop on FEU’s attempt for an extension. 

Alyssa Solomon topscored for NU with 18 points on 17 attacks, where she also tallied a 61% spiking percentage. Bella Belen and Vange Alinsug also contributed with 14 and 12 points, respectively, as NU had three players in double-digits in just three sets. 

The win gives the defending champs an 8-3 record in the crucial stretch of the second round of eliminations, tied with Adamson and UST at the second spot. 

On the other hand, FEU struggled in all scoring departments as their top scorer Jovy Fernandez was limited to just seven markers. 

The loss of FEU will put them on the edge of elimination with a 5-6 slate. They will need to sweep all their remaining games to have a chance for at least a playoff in the Final Four. 

Featured image courtesy of UAAP

Follow the writer on Twitter: @sardynas

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