National University displayed its championship poise after it rallied from two sets down to hold off University of Santo Tomas, 19-25, 23-25, 25-18, 25-18, 15-13, and secure its spot in the stepladder round of the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday, April 22.
Keeping the momentum going after a stirring fightback from a 0-2 set deficit, Sam Cantada and Vange Alinsug rose to the occasion with timely hits, especially the latter who delivered the dagger, powering a late surge that spoiled the efforts of Reg Jurado and Angge Poyos of the Golden Tigresses en route to a comeback win.
Aside from bouncing back from its heartbreaking five-set loss to finalist De La Salle (14), NU hiked its tally to 10-4 for an assure spot in Round 2 of the stepladder.
This, after the Regine Diego-mentored crew moved past Adamson (9-5), which is set for a first-round stepladder clash either against UST or Far Eastern University, which both hold an 8-6 win-loss card.
The Tigresses and the Lady Tamaraws will battle in a playoff for the final spot in the next round this Saturday, April 25, with the winner advancing to face the Lady Falcons. The winning team will then take on the Lady Bulldogs, with the survivor challenging outright finalists, the Lady Spikers.
“I’m very proud of them, even though we are coming from a loss and we are already fatigued from that game. We came to push through to this game and locked in the second half,” said Diego. “Very happy, sana magdire-diretso na ‘to hanggang dulo.”
Alinsug, who stood out after anchoring NU in the crucial stretch of the match, starred with 13 points which all came from attacks, 10 excellent digs, and six excellent receptions. But, it was Arah Panique who lifted their offense with 24 points built on 21 attacks, two blocks, and one ace on top of six digs.
“Siguro no’ng first and second sets, medyo nag-slow down kami kasi ‘di kami maka-connect. Kaya no’ng third set siyempre ‘di rin namin pwede pakawalan ‘yong ‘di kami mag-round three o playoff pa,” said Alinsug.
“Ni-mindset lang namin na ipanalo namin ‘to kasi ano na eh, patibayan nalang talaga, hindi na siya skill wise, sobrang happy na nakuha namin ‘tong win na ‘to, pinaghirapan talaga namin ‘to,” she added.
Cantada logged 20 points, nine digs and 17 receptions, while Chams Maaya and Alex Mata conspired for 15 points. Veteran setter Lams Lamina also dazzled with 24 excellent sets five points and three digs, while Shaira Jardio, as expected, shone with 33 receptions and 16 digs and one excellent set.
Poyos, the Season 86 Rookie of the Year and current leader in this year’s MVP race, uncorked 24 points, nine digs, and 15 receptions. Jurado impressed as well with 21 points and 16 digs, while Jonna Perdido and Avril Bron had eight points apiece. Cassie Carballo had 25 excellent sets with eight digs and four points which all went down the drain.
