Lady Bulldogs roar back into fight, swamp Falcons

MANILA, Philippines - National University kept its Final Four bid alive as the Lady Bulldogs thumped Adamson’s Lady Falcons, 30-28, 20-25, 25-22, 25-19, yesterday in the UAAP Season 75 women’s volleyball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Arena.

Fighting for dear life, the Lady Bulldogs gave it everything they’ve got and were rewarded with their seventh win in 13 games, still within striking distance of a berth in the semifinals. 

The Lady Bulldogs stood at fifth spot, one game behind Nos. 3 and 4 Adamson (8-5) and University of Santo Tomas (8-5).

The Tigresses caught up with the Lady Falcons after coming back from one-set down to pull off a 13-25, 25-23, 26-24, 25-21 victory over Far Eastern U in the other game. 

The Lady Tams bombed out of the Final Four as they suffered their seventh loss in 13 outings.

Dindin Santiago punched in 13 hits, six aces and two blocks to lead NU to the straight-set triumph. 

“Gustong gusto naming na pumasok sa Final Four (We were motivated to win this as we strive to make the Final Four),” said Santiago, who was backstopped by Cai Nepomuceno (14) and Myla Pablo (11).

The Lady Falcons, who were led by Shiela Pineda’s 20 points, dropped to 8-5 at third place, one game behind second-running Ateneo (9-4).

In the second game, the Tigresses started flat, managing only 13 points in losing the opening set, but found their groove back behind Maru Banaticla, Carmela Tunay, Maika Ortiz and Judy Caballejo to salvage the crucial win.

Banaticla and Tunay dropped 14 points apiece while Ortiz and Caballejo added  11 and eight, respectively for the Tigresses.

Rosemarie Vargas topscored with 13 points for FEU, which lost Toni Basas to injury (sprained ankle) in the third set.,