NU survives FEU in five-set classic, advances to fourth straight UAAP women's volleyball finals

National University booked its fourth straight finals appearance after surviving Far Eastern University in a thriller, 20-25, 22-25, 25-23, 25-14, 17-15, in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball Final Four round on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The twice-to-beat Lady Bulldogs recovered from their early struggles and managed to pull off a comeback, even as the Lady Tamaraws put them in a challenging sequence in the final set.

After leading 5-2, FEU made a 4-1 run to inch closer, 6-6. It was a tight affair then with Bella Belen, Vange Alinsug, and Alyssa Solomon doing wonders for the Lady Bulldogs, while Faida Bakanke, Tin Ubaldo, and Jaz Ellarina worked for the Morayta-based squad.

Tied at 13, Solomon then put NU at match point, but FEU managed to salvage one to extend the set. Alinsug scored again for NU but the Lady Tams tied the fifth set anew. In the end, it was Belen's heroics that sealed the victory for NU, thanks to her off-the-block hammer and crosscourt kill.

"Lagi lang naman naming sinasabi na hindi naman matatapos yung game kung mananalo ng isang set or dalawang sets. Hanggang di natatapos yung game may chance pa kaming lumaban at yun ang pinakita namin mula third set hanggang fifth set,” said Belen.

Two-time MVP Belen led the Lady Bulldogs with 24 points anchored on 23 attacks, along with 14 digs, while Solomon had 21 points from 18 attacks, two ace, and a block. Alinsug added 18 points, while Cham Maaya chipped in 13 points.

Bakanke led FEU with 15 points, while Ellarina and Gerz Petallo had 14 points apiece for FEU.

NU won two of the last three women's volleyball titles (Seasons 84 and 86).

—JKC, GMA Integrated News