NU overcomes UST in five-setter; La Salle remains in hunt for twice-to-beat bonus

National University overcame University of Santo Tomas, 23-25, 25-17, 25-18, 22-25, 15-9, to end its elimination round campaign on a high note on Sunday in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Lady Bulldogs finished the preliminary round with a 12-2 card and on top of the standings as they will face Far Eastern University on Saturday in the Final Four round. NU will carry a twice-to-beat bonus in the semifinals against the Lady Tamaraws.

“I’m very happy kasi nakita kong lumaban 'yung teammates ko kahit na ganon kapagod. Actually, sobrang nakakapagod talaga 'yung game and siyempre gusto rin ng UST manalo pero 'yung teammates ko, hindi ko nakitaan ng takot sa mga mata nila,” said two-time MVP Bella Belen, who had 26 points, 17 digs, and 13 receptions.

Alyssa Solomon added 23 points for NU, while Vange Alinsug had 19 points.

Reg Jurado had 19 points for UST while Angge Poyos added 15 points as UST finished the eliminations with a 9-5 record.

With the NU win, De La Salle's University chances for a twice-to-beat incentive remains alive as a playoff against UST will be held on Wednesday.

Earlier, Adamson University capped its season with a win against University of the Philippines, 25-13, 25-21, 25-18.

Rookie Shaina Nitura had 22 points, while Mayang Nuique added 13 points as the Lady Falcons finished with a 6-8 card, similar with UP.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News